As part of an initiative by the Minns Labour Government, efforts are in motion to elevate psychological health and safety within construction sites across New South Wales. This campaign, named ‘Healthy Minds, Safer Sites,’ harnesses the usage of WHS management systems, like Bluesafe SWMS, to manage psychosocial hazards effectively.
Regulated by inspectors, these challenges include any potentially stressful work situations that could spawn both mental or physical damage. Remember, it’s not just about physical safety. A comprehensive approach, addressing psychological wellbeing, is equally crucial. After all, headlines such as the New South Wales Government’s Psychological Health and Safety Strategy 2024-2026 plan aren’t backed by $5.6 million over two years for no reason.
Industry-specific psychosocial dangers in construction often involve harassment (including sexual or racial), bullying, traumatic event exposure, violence, work pressure, and hazardous working conditions. Not mitigating these issues can be costly, with estimates stating that Australian businesses could lose up to $39 billion each year due to decreased participation and productivity. In addition, a surge in psychological injuries correlates with an increase in compensation claims and subsequently higher premiums.
Worth noting, over 400,000 people are employed within NSW’s construction industry. Data indicates a rise in psychosocial hazards, with related cost and time off from work often triple that of physical claims. Just between 2019 and 2024, there were almost 900 large-scale workers compensation mental stress claims in the construction sector, with bullying and/or workplace harassment being the most reported.
Many employers know that poor mental health is a prevalent issue, with around half having assisted a worker or colleague experiencing mental health dilemmas. Fortunately, this trend shows no signs of stopping, with SafeWork NSW Inspectors committed to continue their constructive site visits till March 2025.
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Such endeavours are echoed by Western Earthmoving Works Pty Ltd, a business striving for a mentally healthy and safe environment. Its vision is to create a workplace conducive to the mental health of its people.
In conclusion, while psychological harm prevention, recovery support, and mental health promotion are quintessential components of a mentally healthy workplace, adherence to comprehensive work safety policies such as Bluesafe WHS management systems accompanies those qualities. Furthermore, employers can make their workplaces psychologically healthier and safer by managing psychosocial risks effectively, utilising available resources from websites like SafeWork NSW, and reaching out to professionals when necessary.
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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