A new mental health workplace code, aimed to directly address psychological health risks at work, such as exposure to traumatic events or isolated working, comes into force on 1 April.
The new code – Managing the risk of psychosocial hazards at work Code of Practice – is designed to empower Queensland businesses with practical information and guidance to create mentally healthy workplaces across the state.
The code, which is the first legally enforceable code of its type in Australia, will directly address psychological health risks at work which can be anything from exposure to traumatic events to remote or isolated working.
The code includes advice on how to comply with existing health and safety obligations, after a national review found many employers were unsure of their duties to manage psychological health and safety risks at work.
It also provides practical examples of managing psychosocial hazards in the workplace, industry-specific case studies, and a range of helpful templates that businesses can tailor.
Extensive information about the code and support for businesses is available online, including a recording of a livestream event attended by nearly 3,000 people. In person regional information events will take place in the coming weeks.
Minister for Industrial Relations Grace Grace said research has shown that workers benefit from psychologically healthy workplaces through better individual health, increased job satisfaction, commitment, positive attitudes toward self-development, and lower rates of work-related physical injuries.
“We know that physical risks and hazards are often more visible: being able to prevent a psychological injury is not always as obvious.
“That’s why we created the code – to protect workers, support businesses to have a greater awareness of what signs and symptoms to look for, and to provide a framework to minimise risks.”