Following a recent accident in a NSW café where a man suffered severe burns resulting from a gas cylinder explosion, a Government Ministerial Media Release advises SafeWork will be cracking down on gas appliances and in particular in restaurants.
(more…)
There are a number of issues employers should consider before introducing drug & alcohol testing into their workplace. First & foremost, an employer must consider if they have a right to drug & alcohol test their workers? HR professionals support businesses.
(more…)
On-site physio is designed to treat workplace injuries at the source & is an affordable injury prevention strategy businesses can engage to minimise costs. Assessing contributing work practices, a physio can treat symptoms or injuries & help prevent further issues.
(more…)
Working at heights and near utilities presents unique challenges that require strict safety measures, specialised training, and compliance with industry standards. At ABILITY GROUP, we prioritise workplace safety by ensuring that every project involving elevated work or proximity to utilities is carried out with precision, care, and adherence to regulations.
(more…)
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.
Mental Illness @ Work
SafeWork NSW research shows many employers neglect staff mental health, with the construction and scientific industries among the worst performers.
The NSW Mental Health Commission reports that 17% of people experience mental illness annually, with another 23% facing undiagnosed issues, impacting about 600,000 small business workers each year.
Evidence shows current workplace mental health programs focus on large organisations, overlooking the unique needs of small businesses.
A recent independent survey of more than 2000 employees across NSW businesses showed that close to one in five employers had only basic awareness of mental health issues and viewed mental health as an individual's responsibility and nearly 50% of the businesses in NSW have no procedures in place to handle situations related to mental health appropriately.
These findings are alarming considering mental illness is now the leading cause of long-term sickness absences among workers in the country. A person with a severe mental health condition can have up to 42 days off work, in addition to normal sick leave costing NSW employers an estimated $2.8 billion annually according to a 2014 PWC report.
Given the importance of mental health in terms of the human and financial cost to workplace safety and business profitability, it is pivotal to implement an effective management strategy regardless of the size of the business. It is also a legal obligation of employers to manage health and safety risks in the workplace, which includes mental health.
While traumatic events are unforeseen, employers and managers have a duty to support workers affected by mental health problems.
Sources:
www.safework.nsw.gov.au
http://www.theherald.com.au/story/4989711/mental-illness-at-work-in-focus/
National Safe Work Month is observed every October and encourages employers, workers, and communities to commit to workplace health and safety. It is a time to reflect on the importance of preventing injuries, illnesses, and fatalities, while reinforcing a culture of safety across Australia.
In 2023, 200 workers lost their lives due to workplace incidents, and there were 139,000 serious workers’ compensation claims. These figures underscore why safety must remain a top priority.
(more…)