Psychosocial Health – Know the Risk, Build the Plan!

Unmanaged PSYCHOSOCIAL RISKS can lead to workplace stress, isolation and poor health outcomes. There is a cost to business, a cost to individuals and a social cost. We may be aware of the problems but not how to SEE them and/or PREVENT them.

Key Points

• Various Codes have been developed by Safe Work Australia and WorkSafe Authorities.

• A risk register, unique to your workplace, that identifies what could be impacting the psychosocial health of your workers is an essential tool.

• Key management responsibility is to have:

  1. Controls in place including an action plan for issues
  2. Support mechanisms that are easily accessible
  3. Strong record keeping that can be interrogated

• Engaging with external parties to support workers and strengthen psychosocial management is a positive business investment e.g.
  1. Awareness Training at all levels of the business,
  2. A third-party assessment of your systems, procedures and controls
  3. An EAP program that supports the workforce and management.

The Business Monitor iMind Risk Assessment has been developed to help you gain clarity on the complexities of managing this challenging area of workplace health & safety. After Dianne’s highly successful session, with more than 150 attendees, at the recent WorkSafe Tasmania Safe Bodies, Safe Minds program last week this discussion is top of mind for many organisations. Contact us to have a conversation, book an assessment and be proactive – not reactive in managing the mental health of your workforce.

Additional Resources

• Codes of Practice - Model Code of Practice: Managing psychosocial hazards at work (safeworkaustralia.gov.au)
  *Check WorkSafe in your jurisdiction for the relevant Code of Practice

• Podcasts

  Psychosocial Hazards – how is your business tracking? Business Monitor

• Readings

  Can Psychosocial Improvements Reduce Sickness Absence? And if so, by how much? — Certex International
  Managing Psychosocial Hazards in the Workplace — Certex International

  The Price of Sleep: Is Fatigue Costing Your Business? - Certex International