The Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner (OFSC) aims to enhance work health and safety practices on construction sites across Australia through the Work Health and Safety Accreditation Scheme. The OFSC acknowledges the serious risks of psychosocial hazards, which can lead to psychological injuries.

Check out our case study video on Ventia's Healthy Minds program, which won the Best Mental Health Program award at the 2021 National Safety Awards of Excellence.

In August, the OFSC hosted a webinar to address mental health hazards in the construction industry. The session attracted around 400 attendees and covered relevant regulations and practical risk management strategies.

The OFSC emphasizes that mental health is as crucial as physical health on construction sites. Addressing psychosocial hazards not only protects worker well-being but also enhances workplace productivity and safety.

To manage these risks, it's important to follow the same systematic approach used for other hazards: identify, assess, control, and monitor them.

The FSC Audit Criteria mandates that accredited companies comply with codes of practice for psychosocial hazards and implement effective risk management measures.

Key psychosocial hazards include:

• Job demands
• Low job control
• Poor support
• Ambiguity in roles
• Inadequate rewards
• Traumatic events
• Remote work conditions
• Bullying and harassment
• Poor relationships

In November 2021, the OFSC conducted a survey to gather insights from construction companies about their mental health programs. The findings will inform case studies showcasing effective mental health practices and educational webinars aimed at reducing psychosocial hazards.

For more details, refer to the survey’s summary results.

Read the full article here: Mental Health Education, Training and Resources