National Safe Work Month Spotlight: Prioritising Psychological Safety
October is National Safe Work Month, and it's the perfect time to reaffirm your commitment to creating a safe workplace for your employees. At AdvisoryHR, we believe that a safe workplace should protect employees not only from physical harm but also from psychological harm.
In Australia, recent changes have reinforced the responsibilities of employers in managing psychosocial safety at work. Effective from 1 April 2023, a new Code of Practice on managing psychosocial hazards has been introduced nationwide, published by Safe Work Australia. Psychosocial hazards encompass anything that could cause psychological harm, such as job demands, low job control, bullying, harassment, and more.
Psychosocial hazards can lead to stress, which, if left unaddressed, may result in both psychological and physical harm, including anxiety, depression, fatigue, chronic diseases, or sleep disorders.
To effectively manage psychosocial risks, employers must take proactive steps. Here are some key strategies:
Promoting Wellbeing: By promoting wellbeing and good mental health, employers can reduce stigma, making employees feel more comfortable about raising concerns regarding mental health.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Offering EAPs provides a confidential avenue for employees to seek help for mental health concerns.
Supportive Management: Encouraging managers and supervisors to utilize EAPs when necessary and providing support and guidance in addressing workload, isolation, and interpersonal conflicts.
By implementing these strategies, employers may meet their legal safety obligations and create a workplace where employees feel supported and valued.
For more information on managing psychosocial hazards and creating a safer, healthier workplace, please visit Safe Work Australia's website
At AdvisoryHR, we are here to support you in navigating these changes and ensuring that your workplace remains safe for all, contact us today.
