Every Shift Brings New Risks
NDIS support workers are the backbone of Australia’s disability sector. They provide essential care, build trusting relationships, and often work alone in unpredictable environments. But the nature of their work also exposes them to significant risk.
Across Australia, NDIS staff and contracted workers report being verbally abused, threatened, stalked and, in some cases, physically assaulted while performing their duties. These incidents occur in service centres, hospitals, community settings and during home visits.
Here are the five most common safety risks NDIS support workers face, and what can be done about them.
Risk 1: Violence and Aggression in SIL Homes
Supported Independent Living (SIL) facilities present unique safety challenges for workers. In one landmark Federal Court case, a SIL home was found to be unsafe for both residents and support workers, with support workers subjected to harm including being bitten, spat on and physically hit.
The provider admitted 96 contraventions of the NDIS Act and 1,811 contraventions of the NDIS Reportable Incident Rules for failing to report serious incidents. The Court imposed a record $2.5 million penalty – the highest ever in proceedings brought by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
What can be done:
- Conduct regular home safety assessments
- Provide workers with personal duress alarms
- Ensure clear reporting pathways for incidents
- Implement effective behaviour support practices
Risk 2: Isolated Home Visits
The NDIS Commission acknowledges that there are unique risk and safety issues that need to be considered when NDIS supports and services take place in a participant’s home. A detailed safety assessment and planning can help avoid situations that increase the risk of a violent incident.
Yet many support workers enter participants’ homes alone, with no colleague nearby and no way to summon help if a situation escalates.
What can be done:
- Use home safety checklists to identify risks before visits
- Provide workers with GPS‑enabled duress alarms
- Implement scheduled welfare checks during visits
- Establish clear escalation protocols
Risk 3: Verbal Abuse and Threats
Verbal abuse is one of the most under‑reported risks in the NDIS sector. A government‑commissioned safety review found that frontline NDIS workers are frequently the first point of contact for participants experiencing frustration, fear or confusion about their supports. These interactions can escalate quickly when people feel unheard or believe their services are being reduced.
Incidents have included threats of violence and suicide threats directed at staff. Workers describe an environment where they are expected to manage escalating behaviour while lacking the physical infrastructure and specialist support needed to do so safely.
What can be done:
- Provide de‑escalation training for all staff
- Ensure workers have discreet ways to signal distress
- Implement secure meeting rooms and physical barriers where needed
- Create a culture where reporting threats is encouraged
Risk 4: Stalking and Harassment Beyond Work Hours
NDIS workers sometimes face stalking or harassment that extends beyond work hours. This can include unwanted contact from participants or their families, property damage, and ongoing intimidation.
NDIS workers have the right to feel safe when they are at work, and the right to report workplace violence to their employers, the NDIS or the NDIS Commission. But many workers are unsure of their rights or fear that reporting will not lead to action.
What can be done:
- Provide clear guidance on workers’ rights to safety
- Establish procedures for reporting stalking and harassment
- Offer counselling and wellbeing support for affected workers
- Implement workplace protection orders where available
Risk 5: Inadequate Safety Infrastructure
A government review identified dozens of urgent actions needed to protect staff. Measures such as secure meeting rooms, physical barriers, CCTV coverage and improved site layouts have been flagged as essential. Yet many service centres continue to operate without them.
Union representatives say the pace of reform is unacceptable given the level of risk workers currently face. Key recommendations are not expected to be fully rolled out until 2027.
What can be done:
- Conduct safety audits of all service centres
- Prioritise immediate safety upgrades
- Provide workers with personal safety devices in the meantime
- Advocate for faster implementation of safety reforms
The Human Cost
Many NDIS workers also live with disability themselves, reflecting the inclusive nature of the workforce but adding another layer of vulnerability when safety measures fall short.
As one worker put it: “Caring about participants should not require accepting danger as part of the job.”
NDIS workers have the right to feel safe when they are at work. They also have WHS responsibilities, including taking reasonable care of themselves and following health and safety instructions from their employer.
Read more: How SafeTCard protects NDIS support workers
Sources: NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, SafeWork NSW, Hellocare.
