13 October 2023
Work-related mental health conditions are on the rise and account for almost 10 per cent of all serious workers’ compensation claims.
Mental health conditions accounted for 9 per cent of all serious workers’ compensation claims in 2020-21, a 55.6 per cent increase since 2016-17.
On average, work-related psychological injuries have longer recovery times, higher costs, and require more time away from work.
October is National Safe Work Month. It is a time to commit to building a safe and healthy workplace, free from physical and psychological harm.
This year’s theme – for everyone’s safety, work safely – encourages individuals and organisations to prioritise safety in the workplace, because protecting workers’ mental health is just as important as protecting their physical health.
The theme for Week 2 of National Safe Work Month is Working Together to Protect Workers’ Mental Health.
In line with this week’s theme, SafeWork SA has launched a new video Understanding Psychosocial Hazards in the workplace.
SafeWork SA has also launched a Mentally Healthy Workplaces section on its website, providing information on issues including work-related stress, psychosocial hazards, bullying and inappropriate behaviours and anxiety and depression.
New regulations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 will help provide better guidance to workers and employers on how to manage the risk of psychological injuries and illnesses in the workplace will come into effect in December 2023.
These new regulations reflect the outcomes of an independent review of Australia’s model work health and safety laws in 2018, which recommended more specific guidance on how to identify and manage psychosocial risks.
Psychological illnesses have a significant effect on workers’ health, as well as business productivity.
There has been a growing recognition of the need for the work health and safety framework to better deal with risks of psychological harm.
Managing psychosocial hazards at work not only protects workers, it also benefits businesses by improving organisational performance and productivity.
As part of National Safe Work Month, SafeWork SA is running a webinar Unpacking South Australia’s New Psychosocial Regulations on Thursday 19 October. Register Now.
An online workshop, Managing Psychosocial Hazards and Risks, will be presented by ReturnToWorkSA and SafeWork SA on Wednesday 25 October. Register now for the workshop, which is suitable for employers, WHS Managers, RTW Coordinators and other Managers who would like to learn more about how to address psychosocial hazards & risks in the workplace.
Visit our National Safe Work Month page or see our Schedule of Activities for more events throughout October.
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