By
Gaby Grammeno
Contributor
SafeWork NSW has launched a new strategy to reduce the burden of work-related psychological injury by supporting businesses to create and sustain psychologically healthy and safe workplaces.
Launching the Psychological Health and Safety Strategy 2024–2026, the Minister with responsibility for Work Health and Safety, the Hon. Sophie Cotsis MP acknowledged that though some progress has been made, the rate and severity of psychological injury at work continues to rise.
Psychological injuries have an adverse effect on workers’ lives – and their families and communities – as well as their capacity to work. There is a high cost for employers too, not least because a psychological injury typically results in a longer period off work – on average, more than three times that of a physical injury. In addition, workers’ psychological issues often result in increased absenteeism and presenteeism (when a worker is still present at the workplace but likely to be operating with reduced efficiency and effectiveness) which further undermine productivity.
These considerations mean that tackling workplace psychological injury is a high priority and in everyone’s interest. The Strategy has been developed through a collaborative effort, with input from workers, businesses, unions, and other agencies, including Business NSW.
Minister Cotsis observed that after adopting the Code of Practice on Managing Psychosocial Hazards, New South Wales was the first state to adopt the Safe Work Australia Model WHS Regulations, which explicitly define psychosocial hazards and risks for the first time.
‘This strategy aims to build on these achievements and outlines precisely the steps to be taken by the regulator to build capability and enforce compliance across the state,’ she said.
How will the new Strategy help employers?
The Strategy is designed to complement the Code of Practice: the Code relates to what is expected from a duty holder, whereas the Strategy will raise awareness about best practice.
SafeWork NSW will raise awareness by developing media campaigns, targeted programs and resources, and undertaking further work through the Ambassador program, in which ambassadors lead by example and use their networks and influence to motivate businesses to take action to prevent harm.
The Strategy also aims to build capability amongst businesses and leaders. To provide a sound basis for the approach, SafeWork NSW plans to collaborate with research partners to gather evidence and data to help better understand and manage psychological health and safety at work, particularly in high-risk workplaces and among at-risk workers.
Free training and coaching
Capability building will see SafeWork NSW delivering free workplace mental health training and coaching to thousands of individuals and businesses with the object of improving people’s confidence and success in identifying and effectively managing psychosocial risks at work and design work systems that help prevent psychological harm.
It will also continue to provide businesses and workers with tools, resources and support that enable workplaces to take action to create mentally healthy workplaces.
As well as raising awareness and building capability, the Strategy will involve SafeWork NSW enforcing compliance with workplaces that do not meet their obligations under WHS laws. Workplace personnel need to know what is expected of them to comply with the law, be equipped to achieve compliance and meet compliance standards for psychological health and safety.
The Code of Practice on Managing Psychosocial Hazards provides practical guidance for employers on what is expected and how to comply with legal duties.
Workplace visits
Compliance will be strengthened by having Inspectors visit high-risk workplaces, starting with those industries identified in a 2023 review of the workers compensation scheme – public administration and safety, education and training, healthcare and social assistance, and construction.
A key focus of the Strategy is the role of work design in minimising psychological hazards. Good work design involves a process of understanding the work context and content and its associated risks, and taking suitable steps to prevent psychological injuries. While reactive programs can help, preventing harm should be the primary aim.
SafeWork NSW will also develop a monitoring and evaluation plan to monitor the outcomes of the Strategy and help build the evidence base to inform future policies, programs and initiatives.
Business NSW supports the Strategy, which will take its place as a key feature in its ‘Managing Mental Health in the Workplace’ Project, and will welcome opportunities to collaborate regionally with SafeWork NSW.
