The NSW government is working to improve psychological wellbeing in construction
The NSW government is undertaking a campaign across New South Wales construction sites to improve psychological health and safety at work. Known as the ‘Healthy Minds, Safer Sites’ campaign, inspectors are providing advice and resources to manage psychosocial hazards. These include aspects of work and situations that may cause a stress response, which in turn can lead to psychological, and sometimes physical harm.
The initiative forms part of the New South Wales government’s Psychological Health and Safety Strategy 2024-2026 plan, which is backed by $5.6 million over the next two years to deliver workplace mental health programs.
Some of the common psychosocial hazards in the construction industry are harassment (including sexual or racial), bullying, work pressure, exposure to a traumatic event and violence, and hazardous physical working environments.
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Workplace mental ill health is estimated to cost Australian businesses up to $39 billion each year, due to lost participation and productivity. In addition, the rise in psychological injury is leading to an increase in workers compensation claims which in turn is pushing up premiums. An investment in preventing psychological injury will also save money.
The NSW construction industry employs over 400,000 people. Data shows that psychosocial hazards are increasing, with the cost and time off work typically three times higher than that of physical claims. Between 2019 and 2024 there were almost 900 major workers compensation mental stress claims in construction, with work related harassment and/or bullying the most common reason.
SafeWork NSW Inspectors have found most employers are aware that poor mental health is an issue, with around half reporting that they have assisted a worker or colleague with mental health issues. They will continue their visits to construction sites until the end of March 2025.
Preventing psychological harm, supporting recovery, and promoting mental health are critical components of a mentally healthy workplace.
All employers can achieve psychologically healthy and safe workplaces by taking these steps:
- identify the things that could cause harm and consider the potential risks
- consult with their workers on things that could cause harm and ways to manage risks
- implement control measures to eliminate and minimise risks
- monitor worker safety to ensure control measures are working
- review the controls regularly.
For more information on how to manage psychosocial risks and for further resources, visit the SafeWork NSW website at: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/hazards-a-z/mental-health
Need help? Reach out to your GP or access free help 24/7 by calling the following:
Lifeline Australia 13 11 14
Beyond Blue 1300 224 636
MensLine Australia 1300 789 978
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
Mates in Construction 1300 642 111