WorkSafe Queensland has announced that a new Mental Health Workplace Code which directly addressed psychological health risks at work, was now in force.
It said the first of its kind in Australia to be legally enforceable, the Code is to be promoted by Work Health and Safety Mental Health Ambassador and former Olympic swimmer, Hayley Lewis (pictured).
The new Code, Managing the Risk of Psychosocial Hazards at Work, is designed to empower Queensland businesses with practical information and guidance to create mentally healthy workplaces across the State.
WorkSafe said the code directly addressed psychological health risks at work “which can be anything from exposure to traumatic events to remote or isolated working”.
“It includes advice on how to comply with existing health and safety obligations after a national review found many employers were unsure of their duties to manage psychological health and safety risks at work,” WorkSafe said.
“It also provides practical examples of managing psychosocial hazards in the workplace, industry-specific case studies, and a range of helpful templates that businesses can tailor.”
Minister for Industrial Relations, Grace Grace said research had shown that workers benefitted from psychologically healthy workplaces through better individual health, increased job satisfaction, commitment, positive attitudes toward self-development, and lower rates of work-related physical injuries.
Ms Lewis said during her sporting career “I just wanted to swim, but this came with its struggles, and it’s when my mental health battle began”.
“I was struggling on the inside, but this was the 90s when mental health wasn’t something spoken about — especially in sport, it was considered a weakness,” Ms Lewis said.
“Today, I am proud to be a Mental Health Ambassador for Queensland and to be in a position to encourage business owners and workers to be vigilant to the signs of mental health.”
The new Code can be accessed at this PS News link.
