Authorities say National Safe Work Month is a time to commit to building a safe and healthy workplace, free from physical and psychological harm. 

This year’s safety month theme – ‘for everyone’s safety, work safely’ – is meant to encourage individuals and organisations to prioritise safety in the workplace, as protecting workers’ mental health is seen to be as important as protecting their physical health.

The theme for Week 2 of National Safe Work Month is ‘Working together to protect workers’ mental health’. 

Mental health conditions accounted for 9 per cent of all serious workers’ compensation claims in 2020-21, a 55.6 per cent increase since 2016-17. 

On average, work-related psychological injuries have longer recovery times, higher costs, and require more time away from work.
Safe Work Australia says psychosocial hazards at work may include:

  • Job demands

  • Low job control

  • Poor support

  • Lack of role clarity

  • Poor organisational change management

  • Inadequate reward and recognition

  • Poor organisational justice

  • Traumatic events or material

  • Remote or isolated work

  • Poor physical environment

  • Violence and aggression

  • Bullying

  • Harassment, including sexual harassment

  • Conflict or poor workplace relationships and interactions. 

Psychological harm or injuries from psychosocial hazards include conditions such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and sleep disorders. 

Psychosocial hazards can also lead to physical injuries, including musculoskeletal injury, chronic disease and injury following fatigue-related workplace incidents. 

Safe Work says it is important to consult with workers who may be directly affected by particular psychosocial hazards and their health and safety representatives throughout this process, possibly over a #SafeTea chat.