All petrol station workers deserve a safe workplace that is free of violence and assault.
As a result of policy gaps, poor workplace design and operating models, petrol stations have become a hotbed for theft and assault.
Petrol station workers are at a higher risk of physical assault and abuse and more must be done to stop this.
What the SDA is calling for to improve safety at petrol stations:
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Safety screens to create a barrier between customers and workers
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Secondary exits
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Night windows to be mandatory when working alone
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Minimum staffing levels
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Secure cash machines
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Better CCTV and surveillance
“I feared for my safety every shift”: Irrini's Story
24-year-old Irrinni worked at an OTR in Morphett Vale for nine months between 2023 and 2024.
While Irrinni had previously worked in retail and supermarkets, working in petrol was unlike other any other job she’d had before.
Irrini was physically assaulted by a customer who threw a metal straw dispenser at her while demanding a refund.
The incident left Irrinni mentally scarred and contributed to her decision to quit.
1 in 10 petrol station workers have experienced or witnessed theft or assault in their workplace.
Petrol station design is putting workers in danger.
The SDA has commissioned a report by the McKell Institute detailing the safety issues petrol station workers face and how we can make these workplaces far.
Petrol stations are located close to major roads, store large quantities of cash and tobacco and have poor security measures – putting workers at a high risk of violence and danger.
The layout and security measures within petrol stations are not fit for purpose and are failing to mitigate the serious risks workers face.
