On 24 May 2004, a client attended the employer place of work a community service centre for the purpose of an access visit to her three children, who had been removed from her care the week prior. An interview was conducted between the client and two of the employees. During the interview the client stabbed one of the employees and threatened other staff present. The client was arrested, subsequently found guilty of intent to maliciously wound and sentenced to a term of imprisonment. Even though the employer knew of the classes of risk faced by its employees and had various paper systems in place, the paper systems were not effectively implemented. This case highlights the importance of implementing the paper systems and for the employer to ensure all foreseeable risks are identified, assessed and appropriately controlled including those that relate to workplace violence. Full Judgement.

This case is one of several WHS prosecutions highlighting the cost of inadequate safety systems xe2x80x94 see also the Queensland industrial manslaughter conviction and the $275,000 electrocution prosecution. HSR Initial Training NSW helps elected representatives identify and manage systemic risks before incidents escalate.