Employers need to know about these mental health risks

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.