National Safe Work Month 2024

Work health and safety fundamentals

A well-designed work health and safety (WHS) management system is important for ensuring compliance with health and safety legislation and reducing risks at work. This system includes various policies, procedures, and plans that help manage health and safety, making injuries and illnesses less likely.

The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act) is the main law that protects workers' health, safety, and welfare. It outlines the duties and responsibilities related to work health and safety, mandates the removal or reduction of workplace risks, and encourages worker consultation and participation. The WHS Act also supports compliance and enforcement through regulations and Codes of Practice.

Additionally, updated risk assessments and control frameworks are important for addressing psychosocial hazards and promoting mentally healthy, productive environments for both employers and employees.

Keeping up to date about changes to Commonwealth WHS laws is an important part of remaining compliant and ensuring workplace safety. Comcare offers a variety of regulatory guides designed to assist organisations in fulfilling their obligations under the new WHS laws. These resources provide valuable insights into the legislative framework and specific health and safety duties.

Psychosocial hazards

A safe and healthy workplace is crucial for everyone’s wellbeing, and this also includes mental health. We all play a role in fostering mental health through complying with health and safety instructions, taking care of our own psychological and physical health, ensuring our actions do not harm others, and cooperating with health and safety policies.

Identifying and managing psychosocial hazards—factors that may cause psychological harm—is also very important. These can include bullying, job demands, poor support, remote work, and poor change management. The Model Code of Practice outlines 14 psychosocial hazards but recognises that each workplace may have unique risks. Understanding and mitigating these hazards is key to a healthy work environment.

Comcare supports mentally healthy workplaces through research, partnerships, and employer guidance. Our Mental Notes stigma awareness program addresses mental health-related stigma, offering practical resources like manager’s kits, fact sheets, and conversation guides to foster an inclusive and supportive workplace.

Check out the links below to access useful resources on psychosocial hazards, mental health stigma, and supporting mentally healthy workplaces.

Risk management fundamentals

Risk management is a key part of maintaining a safe and healthy workplace. It involves a systematic process of identifying hazards, assessing risks, implementing controls, and reviewing their effectiveness over time or after incidents.

Effective risk management involves elements of prevention, response, recovery, and governance. Prevention is key and compliance with health and safety obligations is important to stopping hazards from entering the workplace. Organisations should have policies and procedures to identify and resolve hazards before they cause harm. If an incident occurs, the organisation must eliminate the hazard and implement changes to prevent recurrence. Employers also have legal responsibilities to manage workplace injuries or illnesses through a rehabilitation management system. The element of governance involves framework, procedures, policies and processes that organisations use to manage work health and safety duties, functions and operations.

Comcare’s risk management snapshot highlights essential considerations for managing workplace health and safety risks.

Musculoskeletal injuries

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) encompass injuries, damage, or disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, and bones. Globally, MSDs are a leading cause of disability, reducing mobility and agility, and impacting work participation and overall well-being. Did you know that in Australia, 27% of the population suffers from chronic MSDs, with higher prevalence among older adults and women?

Body stressing refers to health problems from repetitive and strenuous work. Ergonomic hazards and hazardous manual tasks often contribute to MSDs. Factors influencing body stressing include job demands, control, support, satisfaction, and personal issues.

Common body stressing injuries include sprains, strains, back injuries, joint degeneration, nerve compression, and chronic pain. Symptoms like muscular pain, reduced mobility, fatigue, and stress are warning signs.

Good Work Design is essential for preventing work-related injuries and illnesses. By considering health and safety during the planning phases, hazards can be eliminated, risks controlled, and efficiencies designed in. Early intervention is also important; talk to your manager or health and safety representative, access information and training, and remember to take regular breaks.

Check out the resources below to learn how you can help reduce harm from musculoskeletal disorders and body stressing.