Stress, isolation and job insecurity: workplaces asked to review how they manage psychosocial hazards in lockdown

As the ACT completes its second week of lockdown, ACT businesses are responding quickly to the changing work landscape and adhere to public health directions and to keep our community as safe as possible.

Work Health and Safety Commissioner, Jacqueline Agius, says that while she is impressed with compliance towards working during the Territory-wide lockdown, she has emphasised the importance of managing psychosocial hazards posed by this lockdown.

“We know that navigating the COVID-19 environment can be challenging. But we cannot afford to let worker’s health and safety, particularly mental health, and wellbeing, take a back seat while we adjust to this lockdown.”

WorkSafe ACT’s role is to ensure employers meet their obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act which includes having appropriate systems in place to manage risks associated with psychosocial hazards.

The changing landscape, working from home and in isolation, changing job demands and the increased risk of work-related violence and aggression, under the backdrop of COVID-19, may mean that current systems in place for psychosocial hazards are no longer adequate.

PCBUs should review their current systems to account for the additional or changed psychosocial hazards from the COVID-19 lockdown and ensure they are doing what is practically and reasonably possible to eliminate and minimise risk.

Commissioner Agius is cognisant of the additional risk of work-related violence and aggression faced by some of our community’s most vulnerable workers.

“Essential workers, young workers, women and LGBTQIA+ workers, are all at greater risk of work-related violence and aggression. This behaviour is not acceptable and PCBUs must implement control measures to protect all workers during this time.”

Commissioner Agius, along with WorkSafe ACT’s dedicated Psychosocial inspector team, has prioritised providing information to PCBUs to support them to understand and meet their work health and safety obligations concerning psychosocial health.

“The message I want people to takeaway is that we are facing a serious mental health challenge here in the ACT. Some people will find this harder than others, feelings of being overwhelmed, alone and anxious about work.”

“There is help available. We have useful resources and information on our website for both PCBUs and workers.”

The updated webpage includes information on possible psychosocial hazards and provides examples of how they may present at the workplace.

The webpage also includes practical tools and resources like the Smiling Mind app and the Moodgym program to support those struggling with anxiety and stress.

If you experience or witness an incident at a workplace, you must immediately contact WorkSafe ACT on 13 22 81, or after hours on 0419 120 028 and follow the instructions provided by the WHS Inspector.

If a worker or anyone at a workplace is in immediate danger, call 000.

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