Under current model Workplace Health and Safety laws, Belgravia is not only proactively assessing physical risks at the workplace, but any situations that could cause psychosocial hazards to employees.

According to Safe Work Australia, “A psychosocial hazard is anything in the design or management of work that causes stress. Stress is the reaction a person has when we perceive the demands of their work exceed their ability or resources to cope. Work-related stress if prolonged and/or severe can cause both psychological and physical injury. Stress itself does not constitute an injury.”

With the outbreak of COVID-19 and subsequent government mandated shutdowns, the risks of psychosocial hazards at work has increased. Some of these hazards could include:

• Isolated work if workers are working from home
• Low support if workers working in isolation feel that they are not receiving the same level of support as they would have received before the pandemic
• Poor environmental conditions if workers are working in temporary environments that may be too noisy, hot or cold
• Exposure to customer violence or aggression due to increased stress on the community from the pandemic

Tips for teams to manage stress from COVID-19

• View the infographic from Safe Work Australia on Four Steps to Preventing Psychological Injury at Work and WorkSafe New Zealand’s resources for maintaining mentally healthy.
• Regularly check in with one another to discuss any stresses or concerns
• Flag any risks to psychological health with your line manager and discuss how it can be managed
• If you have any concerns about becoming unfit for work or have caring responsibilities, speak with your line manager about your entitlements

Find out more about mental health and work health and safety on Australia’s Safe Work Australia website and New Zealand’s WorkSafe website.