Gallagher unveils blueprint for psychosocial risk management

Gallagher unveils blueprint for psychosocial risk management | Insurance Business Australia

Professionals Risks

Gallagher unveils blueprint for psychosocial risk management

Common types of psychosocial hazards identified

Professionals Risks

By
Roxanne Libatique

Gallagher has issued guidance to help businesses meet the requirements of the Work Health & Safety Act concerning the management of psychosocial risks in the workplace – something that could help insurance companies and brokers who are looking to better understand and support their clients in navigating these challenges.

The guide’s focus is on identifying and managing mental health risks, which can often be difficult to detect but have significant implications for employee wellbeing.

Common types of psychosocial hazards

Gallagher emphasised that understanding and identifying psychosocial hazards is critical for any business.

Safe Work Australia highlights several key categories of these risks:

High job demands

Employees may face excessive physical, mental, or emotional demands. Examples include long work hours, inadequate breaks, or tasks that require skills beyond an employee’s training.

Low job demands

Conversely, tasks that are overly repetitive or monotonous, or prolonged periods without tasks, can also be harmful, leading to disengagement and skill erosion.

Inadequate support

A lack of support from supervisors or peers, or insufficient resources to complete tasks safely and efficiently, can create significant stress.

Limited job control

When employees have little control over how and when they perform their tasks, including restricted flexibility in taking breaks, this can lead to frustration and stress.

Unclear roles

Ambiguity about job responsibilities, especially when roles and expectations frequently change, can contribute to stress and confusion among employees.

Harmful behaviours

This includes any harmful interactions, from workplace bullying and harassment to aggression, which can come from colleagues, supervisors, or even external parties like clients.

Other psychosocial risks identified include poor organisational change management, inadequate recognition and reward systems, exposure to traumatic events, and the challenges of working in isolated or remote locations.

Monitoring workplace behaviours, reviewing business data such as incident reports and absenteeism, and establishing clear communication channels for employees to raise concerns are also recommended. Additionally, businesses should evaluate the frequency, duration, and intensity of exposure to potential hazards.

The brokerage giant emphasised that businesses must proactively manage workplace hazards to prevent them from escalating into serious issues.

“In most workers compensation claims, an eligible injury is one arising from working conditions occurring in the course of employment, with many workers compensation schemes specifying that employment must be the main or major contributing factor,” it said.

As the population ages, a growing number of older employees remain in the workforce, creating both challenges and opportunities for employers.

The brokerage noted that the rate of workforce participation among Australians over 60 has more than doubled over the past 20 years. Several factors contribute to this trend, including increased flexibility in the workplace, tighter labour markets, improved health, and the ability to work remotely due to technological advancements.

Risks associated with an older workforce

Employing older workers presents unique risks, including potential liability for age discrimination and challenges in meeting duty of care obligations.

Gallagher suggested businesses consider employment practices liability insurance to help mitigate these risks. Companies may also need to modify safety training, task assignments, and work processes to accommodate the needs of older workers.

It is also crucial for businesses to establish clear health and safety policies to avoid regulatory and legal challenges. The brokerage noted the importance of being able to distinguish between age-related health issues and those caused by workplace conditions when dealing with claims.

Gallagher unveils blueprint for psychosocial risk management