Mental health issues are the 3rd most frequent health condition after cancer & health disease. This means supervisors are likely to be managing workers suffering from a mental illness. We have identified common mental health hazards & workplace risk mitigation strategies.
An increasing concern for many businesses are the risks of mental health related incidents, injuries and resulting workers compensation claims.
R U OK? is a national mental health initiative that encourages people to ask a simple but important question: “Are you OK?” The campaign highlights the importance of meaningful conversations to support those who may be struggling.
In 2025, the theme is “Ask R U OK? Any Day”, reminding us that mental health conversations shouldn’t be limited to one day a year, they should be part of everyday workplace culture.
Mental illness is now recognised as the fastest-growing workplace injury worldwide, costing businesses hundreds of billions annually and impacting employee wellbeing more than traditional physical injuries. Employers who fail to address psychosocial hazards risk higher absenteeism, reduced productivity, and significant compensation claims.
Recent research found employers are failing to acknowledge & address the mental health of their staff. As part of a SafeWork strategy, a group of experts identify construction & scientific industries as the worst offenders.
In Australia, employers must prevent discrimination, harassment and bullying, ensuring all workers and job applicants are treated fairly. WHS laws require safe workplace behaviours, and employers must minimise or eliminate health and safety risks caused by bullying. Safe Work Australia has updated its bullying guidance to help managers and workers prevent and manage this issue.
Occupational violence involves a worker being physically attacked at work or during work?related duties, or being threatened in a way that makes them reasonably fear an attack. As the population ages, care providers face growing challenges supporting staff who deal with aggressive behaviours linked to some forms of dementia and disability. Care workers now account for over 9% of NSW workers’ compensation claims, with more than 12,000 physical and psychological claims lodged in the past three years. Addressing bullying and violence in these settings is complex, but SafeWork Australia offers guidance to help organisations manage the risks.