Ep. 5 - Psychosocially Safe

Join host Lish Fejer in this episode of The Safety Spotlight, a podcast from WorkSafe ACT, featuring Professor Maureen Dollard of the University of South Australia, alongside regular guest Jacqueline Agius, the ACT’s Work Health and Safety Commissioner. This episode explores the increasingly prevalent issue of psychosocial risk in the workplace, examining its definition, its impact on individuals and organisations, and the practical steps businesses can take to address it effectively. Lish, Jacqui and Professor Dollard discuss the significant costs of psychological injuries compared to physical ones, as well as highlight the importance of a strong psychosocial safety climate and the role of legislation to support it. Through expert advice and practical examples, this episode offers essential listening for anyone involved in workplace health and safety.

Chapters

• 2:02 Psychosocial - what does it mean?
• 6:03 The Importance of Psychosocial Safety and Best Practices
• 19:02 Challenges in Implementing Safety Systems
• 22:28 Case Study: Psychosocial Care in Emergency Response Call Centre
• 27:21 Factors Driving Employers to Prioritise Psychosocial Care
• 29:56 Impact of Psychosocial Injury on the Community
• 34:38 Performance Management Leading to Bullying and High-Profile Staff Under Scrutiny
• 47:47 Studies of Psychosocial Safety in Australian Businesses
• 52:28 Statistics on Psychosocial Harm Claims
• 54:27 Key Takeaways and Advice for Businesses Creating A Good Psychosocial Safety Climate