William Scott
The New South Wales Government has announced a new campaign across the state’s construction sites to improve psychological health and safety at work.
Known as the ‘Healthy Minds, Safer Sites’ campaign, inspectors are providing advice and resources to manage psychosocial hazards. These include aspects of work and situations that may cause a stress response, which in turn can lead to psychological, and sometimes physical harm.
The initiative forms part of the New South Wales Government’s Psychological Health and Safety Strategy 2024-2026 plan which is backed by $5.6 million over the next two years to deliver workplace mental health programs.
Some of the common psychosocial hazards in the construction industry are harassment (including sexual or racial), bullying, work pressure, exposure to a traumatic event and violence, and hazardous physical working environments.
Workplace mental ill health is estimated to cost Australian businesses up to $39 billion each year, due to lost participation and productivity. In addition, the rise in psychological injury is leading to an increase in workers compensation claims which in turn is pushing up premiums. An investment in preventing psychological injury will also save money.
The New South Wales construction industry employs over 400,000 people. Data shows that psychosocial hazards are increasing, with the cost and time off work typically three times higher than that of physical claims. Between 2019 and 2024 there were almost 900 major workers compensation mental stress claims in construction, with work related harassment and/or bullying the most common reason.
SafeWork NSW Inspectors have found most employers are aware that poor mental health is an issue, with around half reporting that they have assisted a worker or colleague with mental health issues. They will continue their visits to construction sites until the end of March 2025.
One business working to achieve a psychologically healthy and safe workplace is Western Earthmoving Works Pty Ltd. They have a vision of mentally healthy workplaces by listening to their people and designing workplaces where people can thrive.
Preventing psychological harm, supporting recovery, and promoting mental health are critical components of a mentally healthy workplace.
All employers can achieve psychologically healthy and safe workplaces by taking these steps:
- Identify the things that could cause harm and consider the potential risks
- Consult with their workers on things that could cause harm and ways to manage risks
- Implement control measures to eliminate and minimise risks
- Monitor worker safety to ensure control measures are working
- Review the controls regularly
New South Wales Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis, said, “Workplace mental ill health is estimated to cost Australian businesses up to $39 billion each year, due to lost participation and productivity.
“The NSW Government is committed to preventing psychological harm and promoting mental health as part of a mentally healthy workplace.
“It is important we continue to provide businesses and workers with tools, resources and support that enable workplaces to comply and take action to address psychosocial hazards at work.”
Head of SafeWork, Trent Curtin, said, “Employers are required by law to control psychosocial hazards and risks. Failing to address these risks may result in compliance action from SafeWork NSW Inspectors.
“Most employers have adequate systems in place to identify psychosocial hazards at work such as inappropriate interactions or behaviours. However, few are noted as adequately managing the psychosocial risks related to work systems or design, such as work overload, role clarity and instruction, or the physical environment, such as hazardous physical environments.
“These are areas that need additional education, which our Inspectors will be providing during this program.“
Western Earthmoving Works Executive Director, Graham Ragg, said, “I think some of the challenges specific to construction industry really relate to the perception that we’re all tough guys in construction.
“Focusing on improving mental health in the workplace has helped my business in terms of less absenteeism and more inclusiveness.
“We’ve found that the productivity of the workforce is so much higher, and workers are more motivated and want to achieve the best outcomes for the business. Ultimately though, I think the most important point is that people feel safe at work.”
For more information on how to manage psychosocial risks and for further resources, visit the SafeWork NSW website.
