We are all familiar with COVID-19 and understand that it has caused significant changes to the workforce. Do we however understand how to adjust to the psychological and mental health implications associated with COVID-19 in the workplace?
COVID, Mental Health & Claims – COVID-19 has impacted the mental health of many individuals, whether it is work-related or not, it is important that businesses provide a mentally healthy work environment so workers feel comfortable and safe to continue to go to work. The increasing trend of psychological claims is a growing concern and more so given on average, psychological claims can be more costly than physical claims and therefore essential that workplace procedures are put in place to focus attention on managing the mental safety of employees.
During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, icare reported 30% of the NSW COVID related workers compensation claims were psychological. This percentage emphasised the fact COVID impacts were not just physical and consequently COVID mental health related claims represent a much larger proportion than non-pandemic related claims. At the time icare identified “the high rate of psychological claims is an indication that employers should continue to consider how mental health is managed in the workplace.” Given the severity, icare also produced a icare has also produced a new checklist: Psychosocial Ergonomic Checklist.
The Australian Human Rights Commission provides information to assist businesses including Mental health in the workplace. The guidelines can help reduce the risk of job stress and actions businesses can take to prevent common mental health problems in their workplaces.
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Source: icare
Title: The mental health impact of COVID-19 on workers compensation claims
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