When we hear of Workplace Health and Safety (WHS), we tend to think of things like hard hats and steel cap boots. Of course, keeping people safe from injury and physical harm is incredibly important at work – but what about our mental health?
New WHS regulations
Recently, WHS regulations have been updated to include the management of psychosocial hazards. Essentially, these are things in the workplace that might harm someone’s mental health or wellbeing. This can include things like:
- Bullying and harassment
- Extreme job demands
- Understaffing
- Violence and aggression
- Low job control
- Poor support
- Traumatic events
- Workplace conflict
- Lack of role clarity
- Sexual harassment
The list doesn’t end here, of course; mental health is a really broad umbrella, and there are many things that can be considered a psychosocial hazard for it. All workers have the right to a safe and healthy environment at work, so if you’re feeling uncomfortable at work, it’s important to know what you can do about it.
Who is responsible for Workplace Health & Safety?
It’s the responsibility of the business owner to ensure that a workplace is safe and welcoming for everyone involved (both physically and mentally). This includes workers, contractors, visitors, and customers.
However, workers still have some responsibilities, such as being respectful to fellow employees and customers and wearing personal protective equipment properly.
Why were these changes made?
These changes have been made as an attempt to increase the importance of looking after mental health in the workplace – it’s just as important as physical health, but often overlooked or dismissed.
Instead of being an optional company policy, it is now a legal requirement for businesses and workplaces to eliminate or minimise the risk of both physical and mental harm to workers.
These changes will hopefully achieve two main goals:
- Make it less likely for workers to experience stress leading to mental harm in the workplace; and
- Provide better options for recourse or compensation if something does go wrong.
Why is mental health awareness important?
Understanding mental health is key to creating a supportive workplace. Employers and employees alike should be aware of the signs of mental health issues, such as increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, and changes in behaviour. Promoting mental health awareness can involve:
- Providing training on mental health and wellbeing
- Encouraging open and diverse discussions about mental health
- Offering resources and support services
Workplaces should be inclusive and productive environments, but this can only be achieved by fostering a culture of understanding and support. With the new WHS mental health implementations, we can hope to see more positive changes to health in the workplace.
Where can I go for help?
Remember, if you feel like something isn’t quite right at work, you can always speak up. If you’re uncomfortable talking to your boss or manager, consider talking to a parent, teacher, or other trusted adult. Or if you need advice, you can contact either the Fair Work Ombudsman or Safe Work in your state or territory.
And if you need mental health support, you can always call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
You can read more about the importance of workplace health and safety in our blog here.