Plastic screen barriers introduced at Macca's store amid rise in staff attacks

Plastic screen barriers have been introduced at a McDonald's restaurant in Adelaide's CBD in an effort to keep staff safe.

It's the first time the restaurant giant has been forced to implement the security measures in the state and follows a spate of violent assaults against its workers.

The transparent barriers, ordered by SafeWork SA, were installed at the Hindley Street store this week.

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"Physical barriers are always going to be a higher order of protection, as well as preventing other means in which patrons, customers can actually get to the workers," SafeWork SA Glenn Farrell said.

Videos of violence have been circulating on social media, showing customers launching drinks, spitting and hurling abuse at workers.

The barriers will completely block access behind the counter and will help keep workers safe.

"We have known for many years that this store has continued to be a high risk establishment for workers," Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA) Secretary Josh Peak said.

"Workers are far safer working at McDonald's Hindley Street today, then they were last week."

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The union said there has been an increase of incidents in recent years.

"We raised a number of concerns going back something like five years at this site when they removed the security guard," Peak said.

The union is now calling McDonald's to investigate if safety barriers are needed in any of its other Australian sites.

In a statement McDonald's said it puts its employee's safety first and will review its restaurant protection measures on an ongoing basis.

"We have a zero tolerance policy for anti-social behaviour and expect our people to be treated with respect and decency at all times," the spokesperson said.

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