Australian WHS Strategy 2023-2033

Below is a link to the strategy that we would encourage you to read. 

View the Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2023-2033

Once of the strategy’s main targets includes, to build the capability of persons conducting a business or undertakings (PCBUs), regulators and workers to ensure compliance with the duty to manage psychosocial hazards at work.

Based on data collected by Safe Work Australia, psychological injuries are rising in numbers and severity. National data showed a 28 per cent increase in worker’s compensation claims for mental health conditions between 2007-08 and 2019-20. In addition, time off work in these cases is almost four times longer than for other types of injuries.

Statistics identified the health care and social assistance industry as being one of the top six industries in which workers face the highest rate of harm. This is based on the most recent claims data, highlighting that psychological hazards, including workplace harassment and bullying, occur more frequently in health care and social assistance sectors. The most common psychological injuries in these sectors include:

• work pressure
• harassment and bullying
• occupational violence 
• other mental stress factors. 

When PCBU are able to effectively manage the risks associated with psychosocial hazards it not only protects workers, but it also decreases the disruption associated with staff turnover and absenteeism. The results of this can lead to improvement in broader organisational performance and productivity. Some of the psychosocial hazards that can occur at work include but are not limited to the following:

• high work demands
• low job support 
• harmful behaviour
• poor organisational justice and change management  

Safe Work Australia will be implementing actions into their plan to provide businesses, especially small businesses, with additional resources and training to raise awareness and compliance. 

	Workplace Relations Support  Workplace Relations Support can provide update to members seeking advice on recent legislation matters that affect their practice and staff. You can contact us via phone (07) 3872 2222 and email support workplacerelations@amaq.com.au.
	Workplace Relations Toolkit  Workplace Relations Toolkit subscribers receive a Work, Health and Safety Policy as part of the Toolkit package. The WR Team reviews the Policy yearly and updates it to reflect current legislative requirements. Each time we amend a Policy Toolkit subscribers will be notified.
	Workplace Relations Consultancy Workplace Relations Consultancy can assist practices with training in work health and safety management and obligations as an employer.