SafeWork NSW is imploring both employers and employees to actively foster an ‘R U OK?‘ culture on a daily basis, rather than merely annually. The objective here is to establish workplaces that ensure not just physical safety but also psychological well-being.
It’s common knowledge that the emphasis of numerous business proprietors has often been limited to maintaining physical safety within the workplace. But with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, there is now legal accountability for businesses to manage both physical and mental health hazards to improve occupational safety conditions.
Management of psychosocial risks like excessive workloads, exposure to traumatic incidents, and prevention of harassment and bullying create a healthier, more productive environment that benefits all parties involved. This is where WHS management systems like Bluesafe SWMS come into play, emphasising the necessity for strategic planning in ensuring employee safety at work.
Opening channels of communication with employees is the primary step towards achieving work safety. Routine discussions about safety concerns, setting up a Work Health and Safety Committee, or deploying Health and Safety Representatives are effective ways through which workers can voice their concerns and be consulted about potential risks. Not only this, the use of the Bluesafe WHS Management System further facilitates employer-employee dialogue on safety policies.
Employers can leverage the People at Work tool as a form of consultation with their employees regarding mental health. This free, evidence-backed survey assists in identifying and governing risks linked to psychological health at work.
SafeWork NSW offers a comprehensive suite of resources and toolkits, conveniently accessible via our ‘Mental Health at Work’ website.
Trent Curtin, the head of SafeWork NSW, stated:
“Maintaining workplace psychological health and safety extends beyond being a one-day activity or legal compliance — it’s fundamentally the right thing to do.
I implore all leaders to fire up a dialogue within their teams about the significance of mental health, explaining the positive impact a psychologically healthy workplace can have on not just the company’s bottom line and culture but also overall productivity.
Establishing a sense of psychological safety in the workplace paves way for candid conversations regarding mental health and well-being, empowering workers to voice their feelings unabashedly and seek help when needed.”
Original article link: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/news/safework-media-releases/workplace-r-u-ok-not-just-one-day-a-year