Week 2 of National Safe Work Month!

Week 2 of National Safe Work Month! Mental Health and Psychosocial Risk Management

During National Safe Work Month, week 2 shifts focus toward employee mental health. Workplaces aren't purely physical spaces; they're also social and psychological environments requiring proper risk assessment and management, much like we covered in Week 1 of National Safe Work Month.

Employers who identify psychosocial hazards early can prevent long-term harm to staff wellbeing while building a stronger safety culture across their organisation.

How can employers protect workers' mental health?

Effective management of psychological wellbeing follows a similar approach to protecting workers physically. This means consulting staff about which interventions suit them individually, then implementing policies that address identified risks directly.

Consulting employees during policy development supports better collaboration and ensures management decisions reflect genuine workplace needs rather than generic assumptions.

Why every company needs mental health management policies

Mental health issues at work often stem from stress, anxiety and depression. Sound bullying policies, for instance, play a significant part in reducing psychological harm among staff.

Strong policy management can lower stress levels, which research links to absenteeism and reduced performance. Beyond meeting compliance obligations, sound management practices help employees feel supported, boosting morale and productivity across the workplace.

Four Policies That Help Protect Workplace Mental Health

1. Bullying Policy

Bullying remains a significant cause of workplace stress, which places management of bullying behaviour at the top of our list. Nearly everyone has experienced bullying in some form during their career.

View policy here

2. Sexual Harassment Policy

Sexual harassment may occur between colleagues working together within shared spaces. Clear management frameworks set and define boundaries for acceptable behaviour.

View policy here

3. Violence in the Workplace Policy

Workplace violence and aggression can cause lasting psychological injuries, not merely physical harm. Robust management of this hazardous risk protects both individuals and broader teams.

View policy here

4. Domestic Violence Policy

Domestic violence can become a WHS issue when perpetrators threaten partners or family members during workplace visits, or while someone works remotely from home.

View policy here

Building a Culture of Open Discussion

Mental health deserves open discussion at work, among employees and managers alike. Identifying support strategies for emotional wellbeing matters just as much as management of physical safety concerns.

Organisations seeking additional resources can explore government-backed guidance material and industry resources designed to strengthen psychosocial risk management practices nationwide.

Coming in the Following Weeks

Next week, our Week 3 of National Safe Work Month feature explores Clean Air, Clear Lungs and the risks of respiratory illness, another critical hazardous exposure area for workplace safety management.

Our national commitment to safe work practices continues throughout this month, with each week highlighting distinct aspects of comprehensive safety management. For details on current promotions, visit our National Safe Work Month terms and conditions page.

The offer begins Wednesday 6th October 2021 and ends Wednesday 20th October 2021. This discount applies only to Safe Operating Procedures, and coupon code 20OFFSOP must be entered during checkout for the discount to apply.