Throughout October, WorkSafe will use social media to remind employers of the need to address psychological health hazards at work.
Work Safe Victoria has said there is a surge of mental health injuries within the workplace and is urging employers to take action.
In the past year, 4340 of 28,682 workplace claims were related to mental health injuries said Work Safe Victoria who also says this now makes up 15.1 per cent of all workplace claims.
Executive Director of Health and Safety Dr Narelle Beer said that by 2030, a third of claims will be due to mental injury.
“Sadly, while three quarters of workers with a physical injury are back on the job in six months, just 40 per cent of workers with mental injury return to work within that time,” Dr Beer said.
“Just because a mental injury is harder to see, doesn’t mean it can’t be prevented.”
“We’re putting employers on notice that they have a legal obligation to make sure their workplaces are psychologically safe.”
According to Work Safe Victoria if employers don’t take adequate steps to prevent mental injuries, they can face up to $332,000 for an individual and $1.66 million for a body corporate.
October 10 is World Mental Health Day and as part of that, experts are reminding employers all month long of how important it is to support the mental health of employees.
“Our message to employers is clear, if you turn a blind eye to bullying, harassment, or other psychological health hazards then you’re risking your workers’ safety, lost productivity and potential hefty fines,” Dr Beer said.
Some psychological hazards that can arise from workplaces are job demands that might be too high, low, poor support or low job control says the Victorian government.
Other causes, according to Dr Beer, are due to conflict, stress, trauma, workplace violence, sexual harassment or even a lack of clarity about expectations.
