Like physical health, mental (psychological) health, is an important part of work health and safety (WHS). There are many benefits of having a mentally healthy workplace and therefore understanding possible mental health hazards in the workplace is an important for all businesses.
Mental Health Hazards – Psychological injuries are equally important as physical injuries. Recognising and managing workplace psychological risks and hazards should be core for any business’ WHS. Psychological injuries can be more difficult to successfully manage and consequently psychological claims can be up to 7 times more expensive than physical injuries.
It is important to recognise both psychological and physical hazards as part of creating a safe and healthy workplace environment. With continuing shift to open discussions regarding mental health in society, mental health hazard identification is now more important than ever before and critical for businesses to incorporate into their existing WHS efforts targeting the prevention of physical injuries.
The benefits extend to the workers, allowing them to feel supported and more motivated to perform at their best, allowing the business to obtain benefits like increased productivity, engagement, positive workplace culture and reduced workers compensation claims.
Examples of psychological hazards mentioned by Safe Work NSW include:
- High job demands/low job demands.
- Low job control
- Poor support
- Poor workplace relationships
- Low role clarity
- Poor organisational change management
- Low recognition and reward
- Poor environmental conditions
- Remote work
Firstly, recognising these risks is important as it allows the ability to ask questions and have the conversation with your worker to understand how they perceive the situation. Intervening early and supporting workers as soon as they show early signs of work-related stress can assist individuals with copy mechanisms and strategies. Early engagement promotes stronger relationships with your workers, providing them with confidence, reassurance and a feeling of belonging with a sense of purpose.
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For further information:
Source: SafeWork
Title: Mental Health
Read/Watch time: 2-10 minutes