Workers and employers in South Australia will soon have better guidance on how to deal with psychosocial hazards that may cause psychological harm in the workplace. Psychosocial hazards include excessive workload, bullying, harassment, and discrimination that can affect workers’ mental health and well-being.
Growing need for a framework for psychological harm
Psychological illnesses have a significant effect on workers’ health and business productivity. There has been a growing recognition of the need for the work health and safety framework to better deal with the risks of psychological harm.
The new regulations and code of practice
The new regulations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA) will come into effect in December 2023. They reflect the recommendations of an independent review of Australia’s model work health and safety laws in 2018, which called for more specific guidance on how to identify and manage psychological risks.
These new regulations will be supported by a code of practice on managing psychosocial hazards at work, developed in consultation with workers and businesses. The code of practice will provide practical advice on how to prevent or minimise harm, as well as how to support workers who experience psychological injuries or illnesses.
The benefits for workers and businesses
SafeWork SA Executive Director Glenn Farrell said the new regulations and code of practice will help businesses to be proactive in ensuring their workers are free from harm at work.
“SafeWork SA will be working with employer and employee organisations to push out guidance material to [help] business owners understand their obligations,” Farrell said.
Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector Kyam Maher said,
“These new regulations are part of a significant national effort to better address the risks caused by psychosocial hazards at work and recognise that a worker’s psychological health is just as important as their physical health,”.
Sources
SA regulations to manage risks of psychological harm in the workplace by NSCA Foundation, 8th September, 2023.
New regulations to manage risks of psychological harm by SafeWork SA, 1st September, 2023.
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