SafeWork NSW Boosts Inspections on Psychological Health and Safety
SafeWork NSW is increasing inspections on psychological health and safety, with inspectors now assessing psychosocial hazards during all visits.
SafeWork NSW has intensified its focus on psychological health and safety in workplaces, particularly in organisations with 200 or more workers, including the public sector.
When inspectors respond to service requests—even those unrelated to psychological health—they will now assess whether workplaces are meeting their obligations to manage psychosocial hazards. Non-compliance will lead to regulatory action.
Understanding Your Responsibilities
To help workplaces meet their duties under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act, SafeWork NSW recommends referring to the Code of Practice: Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work. This code provides practical guidance for Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs), officers, workers, and other duty holders to ensure compliance.
Key Takeaways from the Code
- Legal Obligations:
The WHS Act requires workplaces to identify and manage risks to psychological and physical health and safety.
Actions outlined in the code may not fully meet all obligations, so workplaces should always refer to the WHS Act and regulations directly.
- Scope of Duties:
PCBUs must protect workers, including employees, contractors, trainees, and volunteers.
A duty of care also extends to others who may be affected by business operations, such as visitors and customers.
- Control Measures:
Effective controls are essential to eliminate or minimise hazards and risks.
Psychosocial Hazards
Psychosocial hazards include factors like excessive workloads, poor workplace culture, or bullying, which can harm workers’ psychological or physical health. These risks are as critical as physical hazards and must be addressed proactively.
Compliance is Crucial
To ensure compliance:
- Review your workplace policies and procedures against the Code of Practice.
- Regularly assess and address psychosocial risks.
- Train managers and workers to identify and mitigate these hazards.
Proactively managing psychosocial risks not only protects workers but also reduces the likelihood of enforcement actions by SafeWork NSW.
Sources:
Code of Practice: Managing psychosocial hazards at work - Safe Work NSW
SafeWork inspectors are ramping up checks on psychological heath and safety in NSW workplaces - Safe Work NSW
