Safe Work Australia has published new information identifying trends in psychological health in workplaces. The Psychological health and safety in the workplace report highlights the changing impact of work-related psychological injuries in Australia. During 2021-22, mental health conditions accounted for 9% of all serious workers’ compensation claims, a 36.9% increase since 2017-18.
Marie Boland, Chief Executive Officer, Safe Work Australia said the new report by Safe Work Australia aims to increase understanding of the impact of psychosocial hazards at work by highlighting trends in psychological health in Australian workplaces.
“The data gives insights that can help governments, researchers, industry and worker representatives to address current and future challenges in psychological health and safety,” she said.
“Proactively managing psychosocial hazards at work not only protects workers, it also benefits businesses by improving organisational performance and productivity.
“Under model work health and safety laws, psychosocial hazards and risks are treated the same as physical hazards and risks.”
Psychosocial hazards are any risks in your workplace that may cause a stress response – things that have an impact on your psychological health, or mental or emotional wellbeing.
There are many areas of work that have the potential to become a psychosocial hazard. The demands of the job, a lack of control over your work, or even having insufficient support to do your job. It could be working remotely or being isolated while at work, or having a poor physical environment to work in. Violence, bullying, harassment, or a traumatic event at work can also lead to psychosocial harm.
Some of the hazards might always be present at work, while others only occasionally. Sometimes none of these risks on their own will lead to psychosocial harm, but multiple hazards may combine to cause serious harm to the worker.
This can present as psychological harm such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and sleep disorders, or physical harm such as musculoskeletal injuries, chronic disease, and fatigue related injuries.
Being proactive in a workplace about psychosocial hazards can prevent them from occurring and allow for early intervention. So, it is important to be able to recognise signs of exposure.
Early signs may include headaches, problems sleeping, slow reactions, shortness of breath, forgetfulness, difficulty in concentrating, memory lapses, feelings of guilt or hopelessness and outbursts of anger.
Whilst it is the duty of employers to eliminate all psychosocial risks, or minimise them so far as is reasonably practicable, workers also have a duty to take care of themselves.
| Some simple steps you can take to reduce your stress at work: Take care of yourself: this includes getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. De-stress: there are a number of stress management techniques that workers can learn, such as relaxation techniques, time management, and assertiveness training. Get clarification: a factor known to cause stress at work is unclear requirements from your employer. Talk to your supervisor and establish clear expectations and strategies for meeting them. Seek support: request practical support from supervisors and coworkers. Ask for additional information or training to support your work performance. Ensure you have the right tools, equipment and resources to do the job correctly. Report hazards: report psychosocial hazards directly with management or with a Health and Safety Representative (HSRs). Most importantly, is to ask for help when you need it. If your employer is unable or unwilling to provide help, contact Work Health & Safety Queensland. |
