The Insights Webinar Series covers a range of diverse topics on external environmental factors.
It is undeniable that Australia is in a ‘Mental Health Epidemic, with 2 in 5 Australians have experienced a Mental Health condition in their life, 1 in 5 in the last 12 months. The cost to Australian business of suicide and mental health is over $2b and growing. Employers now have to comply with recent changes by SafeWork Australia to the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 through the ‘Managing the risk of psychosocial hazards at work Code of Practice 2022. The WHS Act states that workers should be given the highest paraxial level of protection against harm to their health and safety from hazards and risks arising from work. There is now a section in the Regulation that specifically address psychosocial hazards or risks to psychological health. The onus is squarely on the employers shoulders.
Rob Marston is passionate about Mental Fitness and supporting people in building the necessary skills and competencies to live a fulfilled life. A series of life challenges exposed Rob to the state of mental health in Australia. After over 25 years working in media and advertising, Rob undertook a comprehensive series of programs to equip himself to help others who were in difficult times to ‘get better’. A Mental Health First Aid instructor, Certified Resilience Coach and Resilience First Aid instructor, Rob now works with corporates and community groups to promote Mental Fitness and address the on-going need to reduce stigma, increase capability and reduce suffering for people going through difficult times.
Topic: Your new risk is Psychosocial
Key topics to discuss:
SafeWork Australia introduced the ‘Managing the risk of Psychosocial hazards at works Code of Practice 2022' a new amendment to WHS relating to employee wellbeing in October 2022
The jurisdictions that have adopted the model WHS laws are the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, the Commonwealth and Western Australia
Failing to manage psychosocial hazards can not only lead to work-related stress, but may result in psychological or physical injuries, lost productivity, a poor workplace culture, and low morale.
Employers (or PCBU ‘Person Conducting Business or Undertaking) with over $1m turnover and/or 20 employees need a ‘Psychosocial Safety Plan’ or potential face fines up to $3m.
 "Insights Webinar Series - July 2023")
