An inquiry into the wellbeing of staff at the Department of Defence has found 86 per cent described themselves as ‘stressed’.
Conducted for the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU), the inquiry found Departmental systems were struggling to manage risks to workers’ mental health and wellbeing, with their health suffering as a result.
A survey of staff revealed that only 12.7 per cent believed the Department had sufficient resources allocated to ensure workers health and safety. It found that 75.9 per cent did not believe the Department had Safe Systems of Work capable of effectively managing risk to their health and safety.
The report stated that 83 per cent of staff had witnessed one or more incidents of inappropriate behaviour and workplace culture in the past 12 months. Further, only 11.7 per cent of workers who experienced or witnessed an incident that could have had an adverse impact reported it.
Of the 10 per cent who reported incidents, only 24.1 per cent believed management’s response was adequate.
In a statement accompanying the inquiry results, the CPSU said it was committed to securing improved working conditions.
It recommended that Defence undertake a thorough review process of all work health and safety policies and that the key concerns be identified through consultation with workers.
“CPSU will continue working with the Department of Defence on addressing our recommendations to ensure a safe and healthy workplace,” the union said.
“Defence has committed to working with us to make changes.”
The union’s 22-page report can be accessed at this PS News link.
