Psychological risks in the workplace, often referred to as psychosocial hazards, can significantly impact employees’ mental health and overall well-being. These risks stem from how work is organised, social dynamics, and the work environment itself. Identifying and addressing these risks is crucial for maintaining a healthy and productive workforce. The NSW Government has developed a new strategy to address psychological workplace risks with linkages to the Management of Psychological Hazards Code of Practice.
Context
Although the model WHS laws have always addressed both physical and psychological health and safety, considerable efforts have been made in recent years to better assist duty holders in complying with their WHS responsibilities. This includes Safe Work Australia updating the model WHS Regulations to address psychosocial risks and releasing a model Code of Practice for managing psychosocial hazards at work. Enhancing the capability of PCBUs, regulators, and workers to ensure compliance with the duty to manage psychosocial hazards at work is a primary goal of the Australian WHS Strategy 2023-2033. Safe Work Australia is actively working towards this goal by providing access to high-quality data on psychosocial hazards, which informs policy development and supports activities by WHS regulators, worker and employer representatives, duty holders, and workers.
Mental health conditions have become an increasingly significant portion of serious workers’ compensation claims, drawing substantial attention in recent years as awareness of their impact on individuals and workplaces has grown.
NSW Strategy
The New South Wales Government has launched the SafeWork NSW Psychological Health and Safety Strategy 2024-2026 to help employers manage psychosocial risks and protect workers from psychological harm. The strategy, supported by $5.6 million, focuses on small and medium businesses, providing mental health programs through the Black Dog Institute and Transitioning Well.
Key elements of the strategy include:
- Practical tools, resources, and webinars for businesses
- Translated resources to support culturally and linguistically diverse workers
- Enhanced capabilities and compliance visits by SafeWork NSW inspectors
- Industry forums to identify psychosocial hazards
The strategy aims to reduce the estimated $39 billion annual cost of workplace mental ill health in Australia. It emphasises the importance of mental well-being for worker retention and talent management.
Ministers Sophie Cotsis, Steve Kamper, and Rose Jackson highlighted the need for collective action to ensure safe workplaces. SafeWork NSW Acting Deputy Secretary Trent Curtin stressed compliance checks for high-risk businesses, noting the business costs of absenteeism and presenteeism.
The strategy was developed with input from various stakeholders, including workers, health and safety professionals, unions, and businesses.
Need Help?
Do you have concerns and need help? Contact our team to discuss.
Further Information
Source: NSW Government
Title: New strategy to address psychological risks in the workplace with $5.6m in business assistance
Read Time: 5 Minutes
Source: SafeWork
Title: Psychosocial hazards
Read Time: 5 Minutes