Business owners and leaders, WHS managers, and learning and development managers will be able to get the latest insights into managing workplace psychosocial hazards at a free Forsythes Training seminar in Newcastle this month.
Forsythes Training Director Julie Carroll said workplace psychosocial hazards are aspects of work and situations that may cause a stress response and can lead to psychological or physical harm.
Julie said this means a psychosocial hazard is anything that may harm someone’s mental health.
She said these hazards can stem from several factors.
“Psychosocial hazards can result from the design, organisation, management and supervision of a job or its tasks. The equipment, working environment or duty requirements in physically hazardous environments are another factor. Workplace relationships and interactions can also create these hazards.” Julie said.
Australian WHS laws require a business or organisation to eliminate or manage the risk of psychosocial hazards in the workplace. SafeWork NSW has a Code of Practice for Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work that is approved under section 274 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.
“The code identifies 16 hazards. Role overload, role underload, role conflict, a lack of role clarity and low job control are common hazards. So too are poor workplace relationships and support as well as workplace violence, bullying or harassment and inadequate reward and recognition.” Julie said.
“The benefits of eliminating or minimising psychosocial hazards extend beyond compliance. Ensuring the well-being of employees reduces absenteeism, enhances productivity, and supports the attraction and retention of employees. A mentally healthy workplace is fundamental to business success.” Julie said.
At the seminar, three of Forysthes Training’s accredited trainers will discuss and answer questions on the following topics.
- The common psychosocial hazards in the workplace.
- How to manage psychosocial hazards in the workplace – Code of Practice.
- Identifying and resolving gaps in workplace culture contributing to psychosocial hazards.
- Training programs to help prevent and manage psychosocial hazards in the workplace.
Forsythes Training runs Resilience First Aid and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) workshops. Its workplace mental health accredited trainers have also developed other new mental health training workshops to give participants skills in identifying and managing psychosocial risks as part of developing and maintaining a mentally healthy workplace.
The seminar is on Friday July 12 from 8 to 10am at the Townson Oval Green Room, Mitchell Street, Merewether.
Bookings are essential as places are limited. People should email their name, email address and mobile number to aebzery@forsythestraining.com.au to secure a place.
IMAGE | One of the presenters at the July seminar Thomas Pulleine
