NEW PSYCHOSOCIAL HAZARDS CODE - CREATING SAFER WORKPLACES

As the world continues to evolve, the nature of work and the workplace environment also changes. This dynamic has brought with it an increasing awareness of the need to create a safer workplace.

One of the ways this has been achieved is through the implementation in Queensland of The Managing the Risk of Psychosocial Hazards at Work Code of Practice (CoP) 2022. This CoP, which came into effect on 1 April 2023, is a significant step towards ensuring that employees can work in a safe and healthy environment. This the first legally enforceable code of its type in Australia which will directly address psychological health risks at work which can be anything from exposure to traumatic events to remote or isolated working. What’s excellent is it’s also included in the Queensland Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Regulation, which means compliance with the CoP is mandated, not voluntary.

The CoP is concerned with the psychological and social aspects of work that affect employee health. These hazards can include things like workplace bullying, harassment, understaffing, and excessive workload. These can result in negative health consequences for employees, including stress, anxiety, and depression. In some cases, these hazards can also lead to physical health problems such as cardiovascular disease, weight gain, and insomnia.

The specific risks that the Psychosocial Hazards Code aims to address include:

• Workload-related stress

• Workplace bullying and harassment

• Occupational violence

• Fatigue

• Workplace exposure to traumatic events

• Discrimination and harassment

• Lack of organisational justice and control

• Lack of support and recognition at work

The CoP states that employers are responsible for ensuring that their workplaces are free from psychosocial hazards. They must take reasonable steps to identify and address hazards, and implement appropriate strategies to prevent psychological harm. This responsibility includes providing adequate training and resources for workers and managers, as well as regular monitoring of the workplace environment for hazards.

Additionally, the CoP encourages the involvement of all employees in the development and implementation of prevention strategies. This can include consultation with union representatives, the establishment of a health and safety committee, and regular feedback from workers on their experiences in the workplace.

The Cop represents a significant shift in workplace health and safety in Queensland. It recognises the importance of mental health in the workplace and the need to address psychosocial hazards. The CoP also provides clear guidelines for employers and workers to identify and address these hazards, leading to a safer, healthier working environment.

Getting prepared

In preparing for the implementation of the CoP, workplaces and their WHS committees should be:

• formalising existing systems for managing workloads and responding to psychosocial issues in the workplace;

• training staff and in particular frontline managers about their vital role in identifying psychosocial risks in their teams, and how to respond;

• ensuring executives are across these new enforceable developments and how they will ensure compliance.

Through our 30th Way – Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace Campaign, The Services Union has been a long-time advocate for robust workplace mental health policies, procedures and legislation. Our Union as well as others worked with Minister Industrial Relations Grace Grace MP on the new changes which were also developed through extensive consultation with employer organisations, academics and the community.

On 31 March 2023, Minister Grace said in a statement that 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 workrelated 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,” Minister Grace said. “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.”

The new Queensland Managing the Risk of Psychosocial Hazards at Work Code of Practice (CoP) 2022 is a significant step towards creating safer and more supportive workplaces. By addressing psychosocial hazards and providing resources and strategies to prevent psychological harm, employers can reduce the negative health impacts on their employees. The new CoP represents a significant milestone in workplace health and safety and must be embraced fully by all employers in Queensland.

Our Union is proud to have been part of the process to make our workplaces safer.