The Minns Labor Government is rolling out an initiative across New South Wales construction sites to bolster psychological health and enhance safety at work. This drive, recognized as the ‘Healthy Minds, Safer Sites’ campaign, sees inspectors disseminating advice and resources to control psychosocial hazards. These refer to work elements and situations that potentially trigger a stress response, culminating in psychological or occasionally, physical harm.
Key to this effort is the use of effective work safety products such as WHS management systems and SWMS which are critical in handling these challenges. Notably, the Bluesafe SWMS is designed to address such emergent needs in the industry, offering robust solutions for mitigating risks.
This project forms an integral part of the NSW Government’s Psychological Health and Safety Strategy 2024-2026 plan. Allocated $5.6 million over the succeeding two years, it intends to implement workplace mental health programs, helping firms establish strong WHS policies.
Construction industry specifics characteristically include harassment (sexual or racial), bullying, overwhelming work pressure, traumatic event exposure, violence, and perilous physical working conditions among common psychosocial hazards. The superior capabilities of the Bluesafe WHS Management System can help companies assess, manage, and mitigate these potential threats.
Workplace mental health issues cost Australian businesses an estimated $39 billion annually due to diminished participation and productivity. Further, rising psychological injuries are causing an uptick in workers compensation claims, inflating premiums. Thus, an investment in hindering psychological injuries also triggers financial savings.
With over 400,000 individuals employed in the NSW construction industry, data reveals an upward trend in psychosocial hazards. The associated costs and time off work typically surpass that of physical claims by threefold. Between 2019 and 2024, there were almost 900 principle workers compensation mental stress claims in construction alone, with work-related harassment and bullying topping the list.
SafeWork NSW Inspectors discovered that while most employers acknowledge the gravity of poor mental health, about half reported assisting a worker or colleague with mental health issues. These site visits are expected to continue till March 2025.
Pioneering endeavours to establish psychologically healthy and safe workplaces is Western Earthmoving Works Pty Ltd. They envision mentally sound workplaces by attentively listening to their workforce and crafting thriving space for all.
Undeniably, preventing psychological harm, fostering recovery, and advocating mental health form the key parameters for a mentally healthy workplace.
Employers can attain such workplaces by visiting the SafeWork NSW website to manage psychosocial risks better and avail further resources.
“Workplace mental ill-health costing Australian businesses $39 billion annually due to lost productivity and participation is concerning,” says Sophie Cotsis, NSW Minister for Work Health and Safety. She adds, “It’s essential we persist in offering businesses and workers tools, resources, and support facilitating compliance and action against psychosocial hazards at work.”
Trent Curtin, Head of SafeWork highlights that employers must legally control psychosocial hazards and risks. “Failure to address these risks might prompt compliance action from our Inspectors. There is an urgent need for more education regarding managing psychosocial risks related to work systems or design.”
Graham Ragg, Executive Director at Western Earthmoving Works, concludes, “Focusing on mental health improvement in the workplace reduces absenteeism, fosters inclusivity, and ultimately, ensures employees feel safe at work.”
Original article link: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/news/safework-media-releases/healthy-minds,-safer-sites-nsw-government-working-to-improve-psychological-wellbeing-in-construction