Findings from Safe Work Australia’s (SWA’s) research, Safer, healthier, wealthier (2022), show that an absence of work-related injuries and illnesses would improve Australia’s economy by $28.6 billion and create 185,500 additional full-time equivalent jobs, with workers across all occupations and skill levels benefiting from an average 1.3 per cent wage rise.

However, the latest SWA Key Work and Safety Statistics 2023 report paints a concerning picture, with work-related mental health conditions accounting for 9.2 per cent (or 11,700) serious claims.

Claims for mental health conditions are rising and are one of the costliest forms of workplace injury, leading to significantly more time off work and higher compensation paid compared with physical injuries and diseases.

As Victoria waits for the State Government to make an announcement regarding the timing of introduction of proposed Psychological Health Regulations, employers are still required to take steps to prevent and respond to work-related stress.

Prevention

To prevent work-related mental injuries, WorkSafe Victoria recommends employers:

• Promote a positive workplace culture that encourages trust, staff retention, productivity, respectful behaviours, and quality communication.
• Consult with employees when identifying and assessing any risks to their psychological health and determining the appropriate control measures.
• Implement policies and procedures for reporting and responding to psychosocial hazards such as workplace trauma, bullying, interpersonal conflict, violence, and aggression; and reviewing and updating risk controls following any incidents.
• Engage in “Care Conversations” and regularly ask employees how they are, encourage them to discuss any work-related concerns and, where required, implement suitable support and controls.
• Have systems in place for workforce planning and workload management to ensure that employees have sufficient resources and a realistic workload.
• Develop skills for leaders through coaching, mentoring, and training to improve the support of employees.
• Inform workers about their entitlements if they become unwell or unfit for work.
• Provide appropriate and confidential channels to support workplace mental health and wellbeing, such as Employee Assistance Programs.

When an employee is injured, we also recommend taking a proactive approach to managing this injury to help your employee get well and ensure a speedy return to the workforce.

How the Victorian Chamber can help

Promoting positive mental health benefits your business and employees. However, mental health is complex and in the context of the workplace it can feel overwhelming.

The Victorian Chamber’s expert consultants have the skills and experience to help you effectively navigate the steps to create a mentally healthy workplace. From our Mental Health Comply and Partner packages, through to our training services, we enable you to build a thriving, productive workplace while meeting your legal obligations.

Our Mental Health and Wellbeing Consultants are also available to speak with you about your specific needs.

Our unique offering also blends the provision of Mental Health and Wellbeing Consulting with Workplace Relations Consulting for a holistic approach to these issues in your business. While prevention is of course ideal, our Workplace Relations Consultants can help you manage the full range of IR issues – including managing workplace injuries that extend beyond the 52-week employment obligation period.

The Victorian Chamber is hosting a 'Prevention is Better than Cure: Webinar' on 19 March, focusing on preventative actions employers can take to minimise their risks and costs in the workplace.

For more information on how the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry can support your business or to access our mental health consulting services call us today on (03) 8662 5222.