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 – NSW employers are failing to acknowledge and address the mental health of their staff members appropriately, with the construction and scientific industries among the worst performers according to a recent research conducted by a group of experts as part of a strategy being developed by SafeWork NSW to increase awareness of mental health issues at workplaces.
According to the NSW Mental Health Commission, 17 per cent of people in NSW will experience mild to severe mental illness each year and a further 23 per cent are believed to suffer an undiagnosed mental health problem. With 1.51 million people working in small business in NSW, approximately 600,000 may be affected each year.
Evidence also suggests that current workplace mental health programs available are tailored to larger organisations and industries and are not addressing the unique nature or the specific requirements of small business.
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. This includes acquiring understanding of mental health issues, improving communication and making reasonable adjustment to enable workers to do their jobs.
Sources:
www.safework.nsw.gov.au
http://www.theherald.com.au/story/4989711/mental-illness-at-work-in-focus/