The rate of psychosocial harm at work appears to be increasing. 

A recent survey conducted by the NSW Government has shed light on the alarming levels of psychosocial harm experienced by Australian workers, with over two-thirds of respondents reporting instances of workplace bullying within the past year.

The findings of the Australian WHS Survey indicate that healthcare workers are particularly vulnerable to hazards, including harassment and bullying, with sexual harassment being more prevalent in healthcare settings.

According to the survey, a staggering 70 percent of employees in small businesses reported experiencing harassment and bullying over the last 12 months. 

Meanwhile, workers in large organisations were found to be more susceptible to burnout due to high job demands.

The Centre for Work Health and Safety initiated the survey as a means for workers nationwide to share their firsthand experiences with workplace health and safety (WHS). 

A total of 1,017 Australian workers participated in the survey, offering their perspectives on current, new, and emerging WHS issues. 

The data collected has enabled the development of a comprehensive WHS profile of Australian workplaces.

In addition to the survey, the Centre also unveiled its biannual WHS Radar report, which employs an innovative approach to information analysis, unlike anything previously seen in WHS regulation.

The Radar compiles the latest information on WHS issues and trends from workers' compensation and incident databases, as well as a review of news articles, academic research, consultations with Australian WHS regulatory inspectors and experts, and insights from the WHS Survey.

By cross-referencing these diverse sources, the report identifies and highlights current, local, and relevant WHS insights, pointing to potential areas of concern that require attention.

Andrew Gavrielatos, Executive Director of Community Engagement at SafeWork NSW, emphasised the importance of prioritising safety over productivity or profit, particularly amidst ongoing economic pressures such as inflation and supply chain disruptions.

“If you are in business in NSW there is no excuse for cutting safety for the sake of productivity or profit,” he said. 

“We are seeing continued economic pressures, such as inflation and supply chain disruption, challenging the attitudes and the priority business place on health, safety and worker wellbeing.

“This is where the Radar comes in to tell us not just what the WHS challenges workers and businesses are facing, but also how we might tackle these to make work safer.

“These insights will be shared with WHS regulators, businesses and researchers to support early identification of new practices, new risks and new solutions in Australian workplaces.”