For many years, the SDA Queensland Branch has been calling on the Queensland Government to introduce a system for Workplace Protection Orders (WPOs).
A Workplace Protection Order is a court-issued directive that prevents a specific individual from entering a business or contacting certain employees. These orders are designed to safeguard workers from threats, violence, and ongoing harassment.
In practice, a Workplace Protection Order would be applied to individuals who have repeatedly targeted or harassed staff, ensuring workers can feel safe and supported in their workplace.
For example:
Linda works as a cashier at her local supermarket. Several months ago, during a busy rush, a young man became aggressive and verbally abused her because he had to wait in a long line. A security officer quickly intervened and asked him to leave the store before he could complete his purchase.
This only escalated his behaviour. Now, whenever he comes into the store, which is every few days, he targets Linda with verbal abuse and even threatens to follow her home after her shift.
Although the Police have been called, by the time they arrive he has usually left. At best, they can only remove him from the store for a limited time, after which he is free to return.
The ongoing threat has had a devastating impact on Linda. She feels anxious coming to work, constantly worries about encountering him, and is fearful walking to her car after each shift.
If a Workplace Protection Order (WPO) were in place, this customer would be legally barred from entering the store or interacting with Linda. Any breach of the order would allow Police to act immediately, with the offender facing serious consequences, including the possibility of jail time.
In this case, a Workplace Protection Order against the perpetrator would greatly improve Linda’s work life and state of mind.
If someone repeatedly visits a shop to abuse, assault, or even stalk workers, we need laws to support the banning of those people.
The SDA will continue to pursue the implementation of a system for Workplace Protection Orders to be issued in retail and fast food workplaces and will keep members updated about the progress of our campaign.
No One Deserves A Serve – Reporting
You have the right to work in a safe environment. And reporting abusive and violent customer behaviour is one of the best ways for you to stay safe.
If you’re unsure what to do if a customer is abusive or violent: call your supervisor or manager to help.
Reporting is the key to action:
- It helps determine how often abuse and violence is happening in your store
- It means your employer should provide you with appropriate support
- It provides useful data to help protect the health and safety of workers.
The SDA can use data gathered from reporting instances of customer abuse and violence to work with employers, governments and other stakeholders to secure better protections for workers.
If you need help addressing the issue of reporting in your store, speak to your SDA Shop Steward, Organiser or call the Office on 07 3833 9500.