October is Safe Work Month and Mental Health Month. This year’s theme for National Safe Work Month is safety is everybody’s business, and for Queensland’s Mental Health Week is ‘Connect for Mental Health.’
Consider your physical and psychosocial hazards this month. A safe and healthy working environment is a fundamental principle and right across all industries and occupations. There is a positive outcome of good WHS risk management for the benefit of the individual, organisation and wider community.
Week 1 – Work health and safety fundamentals
Get the basics right:
- Be proactive in managing your WHS risks – this is your primary duty!
- 4 step risk management steps – for both physical and psychological hazards
- Consultation is a vital part of WHS management
- Training and support to ensure safety at work
Week 2 – Psychosocial hazards
Deep dive into the workplace elements that could pose a psychosocial risk to workers, and the associated impacts:
- Design of the work
- Work environment itself
- Plant at the workplace
- Workplace interactions and behaviour
Week 3 – Risk management fundamentals
Think about what could happen if someone was exposed to a hazard in your workplace and how likely it is to happen.
- Undertake a comprehensive workplace hazard assessment with your workers
- What could cause injuries or harm
- What is in place to control these hazards? Are the controls actually effective?
- What else can be done to manage these hazards
- Identify, assess, control, monitor & review
Week 4 – Musculoskeletal injuries (MSI)
Injury to or disease of the musculoskeletal system (muscles, bones, joints and connective tissues) through gradual wear and tear or sudden damage.
- Why focus on MSI as a weekly topic? MSI accounts for half of all serious workers’ compensation claims in 2022-23.
- Examples: sprains and strains of muscles, ligaments and tendons, back injuries, nerve injuries
- MSI can be caused by physical and psychosocial factors – hands up who stores their stress in their neck!!! (Me!)
- Best way to prevent MSI is to ensure work is designed and resourced to prevent injuries.
About the Author
A highly qualified advisor, Michelle brings with her 20+ years of experience in safety and compliance. With experience spanning multiple industries including hospitality, construction, mining, environmental services, large municipalities and amusement centres, Michelle brings fresh ideas and a breadth of knowledge to her role as DWS’ Work Health, Safety and Compliance Advisor.
If you have any questions about WH&S or compliance questions, please get in touch with Michelle Bates.
