SafeWork NSW Deploys 20 New Psychosocial Safety Inspectors
SafeWork NSW has deployed 20 new psychosocial inspectors as part of a broader initiative to address workplace mental health and prevent psychological harm.
The following is an abridgement of an article originally published by SafeWork NSW.
Inspectorate Expansion
The New South Wales Government has deployed 20 new psychosocial inspectors as part of an addition of 51 inspectors to SafeWork NSW, increasing the active inspectorate by more than 12 per cent.
The deployment is funded through a $127.7 million investment over four years to SafeWork NSW and a $344 million Workplace Mental Health package aimed at strengthening mental health support and injury prevention.
The new inspectors possess expertise in psychology, workers compensation, anti-bullying, youth mentoring, and trauma-informed approaches. Their duties include issuing on-the-spot fines, responding to reported psychosocial incidents, developing resources, and assisting employers with return-to-work obligations.
Psychosocial Advisory Service
The state government is also establishing a Psychosocial Advisory Service to provide workers and business owners with tailored advice on managing psychosocial safety, including risks such as excessive workloads, exposure to traumatic events, bullying, and sexual harassment.
Official Comments
Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis stated the initiative focuses on prevention and early intervention to reduce injuries and disputes.
SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer said,
"The new psychosocial focused inspectors will strengthen early detection of psychological risks at places of employment and enable timely interventions to prevent harm before it occurs."
