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Psychosocial hazards at work are aspects of work and work situations that can lead to psychological or physical harm.
These stem from: • The design or management of work, or • A work environment / plant at work, or • Workplace interactions or behaviours.
High and low job demands, lack of role clarity and low job control;
Inappropriate behaviour and conduct of workers, contractors, visitors or members of the public; and
Harmful behaviours such as violence, aggression and bullying.
Psychosocial hazards are defined in the WHS Regulations and Curtin has a primary duty to provide and maintain a work environment without risks to health and safety under the WHS Act. Health includes both physical and psychological health.
Wellness refers to programs and facilities to help a person maintain and improve physical and mental wellbeing.
Wellbeing is defined as general health and happiness, a state of emotional/physical/psychological well-being.’
Wellness and Wellbeing are often used interchangeably and are sometimes confused with ‘People Wellness.’ People Wellness are Curtin workers who oversee the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), provide support to workers experiencing stress and coordinate corporate wellbeing initiatives.
Reporting psychosocial incidents
In the first instance, discuss any immediate concerns with your line manager, or if not possible contact the Health and Safety team.
All psychosocial incidents are to be reported in the CHARM system using the psychosocial form. Psychosocial reports will remain confidential.
An incident may occasionally be considered ‘Confidential’ if it relates to psychological injury, stress, bullying or harassment in the workplace or where there are steps which need to be taken prior to line manager notification.
Confidential in this context means the information will be treated sensitively and within the University privacy obligations and in accordance with best practice for management of confidential information.
Incidents of this nature will be assigned to the Director of Health and Safety (or their delegate) for assessment.
Only select Health and Safety staff and invited subject matter experts will see the report. These subject matter experts may include;
• People and Culture (PAC)
• Integrity & Standards Unit (ISU)
• Student Discipline and Academic Misconduct
CHARM, the reporting system will send an email on receipt of a confidential report. You should be contacted by the responsible person to commence an investigation and follow up on your report.
You may be contacted by a PAC advisor or a Health and Safety Advisor. These roles have different responsibilities for managing a case and can vary from supporting injuries (physical and/or psychological), investigating any breaches of Curtin’s conduct requirements, assessing workloads and work demands. Throughout the process you will be reminded to reach out for free and confidential support available to all workers (staff) and students.
You will be supported through this process and should contact your senior PAC advisor and Health and Safety for guidance through this process. PAC may determine that an external and independent investigation is required and work with you to identify and implement solutions to address any psychosocial hazards.
Effective hazard and risk management at the University relies on strong leadership commitment and management, and a supportive environment underpinned by clear policies, procedures, training and education. Communication and consultation with staff and stakeholders are essential at all stages to ensure a safe and informed community.
Under the WHS legislation, it is a requirement to use a risk management approach to manage hazards and risks to worker health and safety, including psychological health and safety. A risk management approach enables the University to identify and address causal factors and systemic issues that may exist in the work environment. The risk management approach consists of:
Identifying the psychosocial hazards and risk factors
Assessing the risks
Controlling the risks by eliminating the hazard or risk factors, or if not possible, minimising the risk of harm as reasonably practicable
Monitor and review the effectiveness of controls and make changes where required.
The Code of Practice offer practicable solutions for addressing psychosocial hazards.
Support our community’s wellbeing by utilising helpful resources such as Employee Wellbeing, Employee Assistance Program, Manager Assist and other internal/external supports.
The Employee Wellbeing Team at Curtin can assist with disability and accessibility support, mental health support, wellbeing check-ins, manager support, management of chronic medical conditions in the workplace, return to work programs, workplace adjustments and assistance with difficult conversations.
The University’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free and confidential counselling service offered by an external psychology provider. It’s available to all staff and their immediate family members to help with work-related, personal, emotional, or career concerns. Support is available anytime through EAP’s 24/7 telehealth service. To speak with someone or book an appointment, call 1800 808 374 or visit assureprograms.com.au. For more information, please visit EAP Support.
As part of the EAP, the Manager Assist supports managers with personal and interpersonal work issues. These support resources may be helpful when looking after yourself and your team. There is a Leaders and Executive Assistance Program (LEAP) that allows for 8 sessions per presenting issue. For more information, please visit Manager Assist – EAP.
Wellbeing Gateway App – this includes a 24/7 live chat function. Curtin Code: CUR2152.
Student counselling services provide free and confidential counselling to all Curtin students enrolled. To speak with someone, call 1800 244 043 or email studentwellbeing@curtin.edu.au.
Curtin’s Safer Community Team provides a range of services to keep you safe on campus, including 24/7 safety presence and availability, security escort services and mechanical assistance. They are trained to also provide support to complex welfare and wellbeing issues.
Access 24/7 confidential crisis support. The University encourages staff and students to reach out to Lifeline when urgent help is needed outside of our internal support services.
You can contact Lifeline anytime by calling 13 11 14 or visiting www.lifeline.org.au.
Resources
For more information about psychosocial hazards access the following resources:
