Whether it’s providing appropriate supervision and training, ensuring that protective gear and equipment is being used, or fostering a mentally healthy workplace, all employers have legal responsibilities around health and safety.
While profitability, satisfying clients, and competitiveness are important to any business, EVERY business must have the right policies, procedures and awareness in place to ensure that every employee gets home to their families safe and happy at the end of the working day.
Today, on World Day for Safety and Health at Work (and Worker’s Memorial Day) we are provided with an opportunity to recognise the importance of safe and healthy working environments – both the physical environment of work, and the psychological environment.
Fair workloads, a healthy work-life balance, fair reward for effort and a hazard-free workplace is every worker’s right.
Most employers may feel well equipped to spot a broken guard on a scissor lift, or a water spill in the middle of a busy walkway, but how many are aware of psychological risk from ‘burn-out’, excessive demands, discrimination or harassment?
And how many managers will recognise when things are not right, when someone is at psychological risk, cracking under the load, or anxious or depressed?
At ADA Australia, we recognise that a great workplace is one that makes mental health a priority. And what that looks like is a workplace where managers and supervisors are trained to recognise triggers for work stress, to recognise changes in behaviour that may indicate psychological distress and have the right policies and procedures in place to guard against psychological damage. (See ADA’s The Little Blue Book of MENTAL HEALTH p. 28)
It ensures that all at the workplace feel safe, are treated fairly, have their contributions respected, and feel supported and fulfilled in their roles. Getting this right within a business isn’t always easy. But training your managers and people leaders is a logical place to start.
An ADA Australia People Leader Training Program for your workplace can be a first step to improving awareness and getting the culture right, from the Boardroom to the warehouse door.
If you’d like to learn more about this program, or any of the other training programs we offer, please call ADA Australia on 1300 378 429 or email: enquiry@adaaus.com.au
Additionally, if this information raised any concerns for you, please do speak to your GP, they can help you back to good health, or call a helpline: LIFELINE 13 11 14 or BeyondBlue 1300 22 4636.