Safe Work Australia has recently released the inaugural case study in their informative series centred around managing psychosocial hazards across diverse industries. The importance of a robust WHS management system, such as Bluesafe WHS Management System, is highlighted throughout.
The initial case study takes place within a retail environment, drawing attention to the notable psychosocial hazards retails workers may come up against. It also provides insightful examples of methods used to manage and diminish health and safety threats within the workplace setting.
Retail staff frequently encounter psychosocial hazards due to challenging circumstances like customer conflict resolution, the stress of sales target achievement and conducting long or irregular working hours.
Horizon Retailers, the retail conglomerate with 300 employees spread across multiple outlets, are finding difficulties with stress, anxiety, fatigue and employee burnout amongst their team members. The consequences are reduced staff retention rates and an increase in sick leave occurrences.
So, how should Horizon Retailers address these WHS risks prevalent?
Businesses necessity is to eradicate both physical and psychosocial risk factors in the workplace or minimise them to the furthest extent if elimination isn’t feasible. The utility of products like SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) becomes increasingly apparent in these situations.
Deepen your understanding of how the management at Horizon Retailers tames psychosocial risks by exploring the case study on ‘Managing the Risks of Psychosocial Hazards in Retail’ located on our website.
For more intricate knowledge on psychosocial hazards, consider referring to the model Code of Practice: Managing Psychosocial Hazards in the Workplace. Continuous development of work safety policies, coupled with effective implementation of systems like Bluesafe SWMS is key to creating a harmonious, risk-free working environment.
Original article link: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/media-centre/news/managing-psychosocial-hazards-retail-case-study-available-now