SWA Launches Code of Practice to Manage Workplace Psychosocial Hazards

Original article published by the NSCA Foundation

Safe Work Australia has released a new model Code of Practice on Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work to provide practical guidance for persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) on their WHS duties to manage psychosocial risks from work. The model code of practice explains the laws and how to comply with them, with practical steps to manage workplace risks to psychological health. Preventing psychological harm is an essential part of creating a healthy and safe workplace. Managing psychosocial risks protects workers and also decreases the disruption associated with staff turnover and absenteeism and may improve broader organisational performance and productivity.

Safe Work Australia Chief Executive Officer Michelle Baxter said that psychosocial hazards are anything at work that may cause psychological harm, and can come from the way work is designed and managed, the working environment or behaviours including bullying, harassment, discrimination, aggression and violence.

“Under work health and safety laws, PCBUs have a positive duty to do everything they reasonably can to prevent exposure to psychosocial hazards and risks. Managing psychosocial risks protects workers, decreases staff turnover and absenteeism, and may improve broader organisational performance and productivity,” Baxter said.

Baxter added that work-related psychological injuries and illnesses have a significant negative impact on workers, their families and business. “On average, work-related psychological injuries have longer recovery times, higher costs and require more time away from work when compared with physical injuries. Workers compensation claims for psychological injury and illness have increased and impose high costs to employers through time off and workers compensation costs,” Baxter said.

The model work health and safety (WHS) laws now include regulations on psychosocial hazards. The model WHS Regulations and ‘Code of Practice: Managing psychosocial hazards at work’ were developed through Safe Work Australia’s tripartite process, which includes Commonwealth, state and territory governments, and employer and worker representatives. The model code of practice is available on the Safe Work Australia website, along with other materials including new model WHS Regulations to support PCBUs to meet their workplace health and safety duties.

The model WHS Regulations and model code of practice do not automatically apply in a jurisdiction; information on WHS in your jurisdiction can be found by contacting your WHS regulator.

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