Four Key Actions To Tackle Psychosocial Risks in the Workplace

The mental health of Australian workers is in decline, with claims for psychological injuries now exceeding those for physical injuries at work.?

Serious workers’ compensation claims for mental health conditions increased by almost 40% in 2021-2022 (Safe Work Australia). In addition, it’s estimated that mental ill-health costs Australian businesses up to $39 billion in lost productivity.

Dave Burroughs (the Principal Psychologist, Founder of Australian Psychological Services and the Chief Mental Health Officer for Westpac Group) has over 15 years of expertise in the psychological health and safety field.

He’ll be taking to the stage at the upcoming Workplace Health & Safety Show in Sydney this October, in a seminar session that will elaborate on psychosocial risk factors and highlight actionable strategies to manage these effectively.

He expands on four key actions that organisations should take:

1.????? Understand what’s driving major psychosocial hazards in your workplace: Dave explains that across most industries he’s working with, work overload seems to be a common theme while in the customer/public facing roles, exposure to increasing occupational violence and aggression (OVA) is becoming a big issue.

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2.????? Implement the right systems and approaches: “It’s increasingly recognised that a lot of the most popular mental health programs have very limited efficacy, and in some instances may actually have an adverse impact on mental health and psychosocial risk issues in the workplace,” comments Dave.

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3.????? Removing barriers to wellbeing: The organisational barriers to wellbeing are the same barriers that will undermine morale, engagement and performance.

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4.????? Pivot to meet regulatory requirements: Organisations should have a clear understanding of the regulatory requirements across their respective state/territory or national regulator.

Tackling Complex Matters

Dave will be among the line-up of experts who will be presenting at the Workplace Wellbeing Summit (one of three dedicated Summits featured at this year’s Workplace Health & Safety Show).

These sessions will explore how to manage psychosocial risks, navigate challenging conversations and support the workforce.

The Workplace Wellbeing Summit agenda is available at: https://whsshow.com.au/sydney-2024-agenda/sydney-workplace-wellbeing-summit

Taking place from 23-24 October 2024, at The Dome, Sydney Showground, the Show also features over 160 exhibiting brands, making it easy for guests to source the latest safety solutions and products, all under one roof.

Registration for the Show is free. More information is available at https://whsshow.com.au/