Employers need to know about these mental health risks
Published: December 7, 2023
We spend a significant amount of time in our lives at work. The environment we work in can have an impact on our physical and mental wellbeing. Work environments and systems are key settings to improve mental health. How are you identifying workplace mental health risks as a business owner? Business Development Partner Will Mendoza talks about psychosocial hazards and your obligations as an employer.
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October is Mental Health Awareness Month.
Employees spend a significant amount
of their time and lives at work.
Therefore, the work environment
and workplace have a direct impact
on their mental health.
Under the model Work Health and Safety laws,
a person conducting a business or undertaking,
or the PCBU,
such as an employer,
must not only manage the physical risks,
but also manage
the psychological risks at work.
What are these psychosocial hazards?
Psychosocial hazards are hazards
that can cause mental and physical harm.
Psychological harm
may include anxiety
or depression, while physical harm
may involve musculoskeletal
or fatigue related injuries.
More common psychological hazards
are bullying and harassment,
violence and aggression,
exposure to traumatic events,
and even high job demands
and lack of job control.
Other common psychological hazards
are included here on this list.
Why is managing psychological hazards
so important?
Well, on average, work
related psychological injuries
have longer recovery times,
higher costs and require
more time away from work.
PCBU’s must work together
with the workers, and health
and safety representatives
by consulting with them
throughout the risk management process
and ensuring so far
as is reasonable and practicable, workers
and other persons
are not exposed to risks
to their health and safety.
It's crucial to have the right
policies and procedures in place
as there are serious risks
with being non-compliant.
Employsure can help
set these documentations
in place and provide phone advice
when required.
You can also unlock lightning
fast answers to your employment
related questions
with Bright Lightning,
an AI-powered HR platform.