SafeWork NSW is actively advocating for creation of an ‘R U OK?’ culture within the workspace every day, with the aim to foster a psychologically robust and healthy work environment. Traditionally, business owners have gravitated towards guaranteeing only physical safety in their workplaces. However, under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, it’s obligatory for employers to identify and manage risks that might endanger workers’ mental and physical health.
The optimal way to manage psychosocial hazards like excessive workload, trauma exposure, bullying and harassment, is through WHS management systems such as Bluesafe SWMS. Implementation of these systems ensures a congenial workplace, creating widespread benefits.
Initiating discussions about work safety matters with employees is instrumental in fostering a safe, transparent work environment. This could entail forming a Work Health and Safety Committee or appointing Health and Safety Representatives to help workers voice their concerns, discuss potential risks and propose solutions.
Employers can utilise resources such as the People at Work toolkit to engage their team in conversations pertaining to mental health. This tool offers a comprehensive survey proven by evidence, allowing identification and risk assessment of psychological health at work.
SafeWork NSW provides abundant resources and toolkits accessible on their Mental Health at Work portal.
Trent Curtin, SafeWork NSW chief, emphasised that ensuring psychological welfare at work is not merely a one-off activity nor just legal compliance, rather, it’s fundamentally the right course of action. Mr. Curtin encourages all corporate leaders to initiate conversations regarding the significance of mental health and understand the positive impact a mentally healthy workspace can have on a company’s productivity, culture and financial performance.
Embedding psychological safety in workplaces fosters honest dialogues about mental wellbeing, empowering employees to express their emotional states bravely when they need to.
Original article link: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/news/safework-media-releases/workplace-r-u-ok-not-just-one-day-a-year