PSA CPSU NSW Health and Safety Officer Marko Petrovic gave a presentation at a conference on new laws regarding workplace mental health.

Mr Petrovic focused on psychosocial hazards and risks in the workplace, an issue he said “is widely and deeply felt across Australia and the workforce”.

He said workers with claims for mental health conditions reported poorer return to work outcomes and were more likely to report stigma from colleagues and their employers.

“Mental health conditions accounted for 9 per cent, or 11,700, of all serious workers’ compensation claims and 7 per cent of all work-related injuries and illnesses in 2020-21,” he said. “This represented a 36.9 per cent increase in claims since 2016-17, compared to an increase of 18.3 per cent for all serious claims over the period.

“Workers in the health care and social assistance, public administration and safety and education and training industries accounted for the highest number of serious claims for mental health conditions out of all industries.”

Mr Petrovic said that while previously, representing members for bullying, sexual harassment or workers’ compensation was tied to grievance procedures or referrals to solicitors, legislative changes will open new avenues to have such issues addressed.

He said the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) had increased powers, including the ability to make recommendations or directions without consent, and requiring written reasons for non-compliance. The IRC also now has the power to arbitrate and make orders to stop bullying and sexual harassment, with increased penalties for breaching orders.

Employers are now required to comply with approved codes of practice or alternative methods providing equivalent or higher safety standards.

“We welcome these improved requirements for employers,” said PSA CPSU NSW Assistant General Secretary Troy Wright. “It is heartening to see mental health being taken seriously.”