20/01/2021

SafeWork SA inspectors have commenced auditing South Australian hospitals and health services to ensure the risks of fatigue and psychological health risks are being appropriately managed.

The safety campaign is in response to the parliamentary inquiry into Workplace Fatigue and Bullying in Hospitals and Health Services. The report recommended ‘That SafeWork SA develop and implement targeted strategies and plans, developed in conjunction with hospital employers, aimed at reducing instances of workplace fatigue and bullying.'

The focus for our inspectors will be on the workplaces identification of psychological hazards and work-related fatigue, management of risks, adequate training, and ensuring they have appropriate control measures in place to prevent or minimise the risk of harm to their workers.

SafeWork SA Executive Director, Martyn Campbell explained that every business can be affected to some degree by work-related fatigue and psychosocial risks. However, certain types of work and some industry sectors, like health, have inherently higher risk factors when shift work is a part of their business model.

“We recognise the unique challenges experienced by the health sector, including the current pressure on this industry during the COVID-19 pandemic so it is paramount more than ever to ensure safe systems of work are in place to protect these workers.’

SafeWork SA inspectors will provide education and guidance to workplaces in managing their work health and safety responsibilities, particularly around fatigue and psychological health risks arising from bullying, harassment and other inappropriate workplace behaviours.

Findings from the audits will help identify areas for improvement and further education.

Further information and resources are available on managing health and wellbeing in the workplace.

Workplaces can contact our Help Centre on 1300 365 255 and ask to speak to one of our friendly workplace advisors for targeted advice and guidance.