[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Preventing psychological harm is an essential part of creating a healthy and safe workplace.

The model work health and safety (WHS) laws now include regulations on psychosocial hazards. A new model Code of Practice on Managing psychosocial hazards at work explains the laws and how to comply with them, including practical steps to manage workplace risks to psychological health.

Safe Work Australia (SWA) Chief Executive Officer Michelle Baxter said that “under work health and safety laws, PCBUs have a positive duty to do everything they reasonably can to prevent exposure to psychosocial hazards and risks.

“Psychosocial hazards are anything at work that may cause psychological harm.

“They can come from the way work is designed and managed, the working environment, or behaviours including bullying, harassment, discrimination, aggression and violence.”

Safe Work Australia have released some infographics and a range of resources for Safe Work Month to encourage workplaces to talk about psychosocial hazards at work during mental health week (8-16 October 2022).

For workplaces wanting more information on managing risk, SWA have also put together a managing psychosocial risks at work infographic with information about psychosocial hazards and applying the four-step risk management process.

Ms Baxter said work-related psychological injuries and illness have a significant negative impact on workers, their families and business.

“On average, work-related psychological injuries have longer recovery times, higher costs, and require more time away from work when compared with physical injuries.

“Workers’ compensation claims for psychological injury and illness have increased and impose high costs to employers through time off and workers’ compensation costs.

The model WHS Regulations and Code of Practice: Managing psychosocial hazards at work is available on the Safe Work Australia website along with other materials including new model WHS Regulations to support PCBUs to meet their WHS duties.

For the full range of resources on managing psychosocial hazards at work visit the Safe Work Australia website.

Source: Safe Work Australia, August 2022[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_message message_box_color=”white” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-hard-hat” css_animation=”none”]Need some help? Our Safety Consultants will ensure the highest standards of WHS, wellbeing and safety culture in your workplace as you move towards a world class safety management system that is compliant, current and covers your risk profile.

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