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Not every workplace hazard is easy to see.
There are clearly observable workplace hazards we will regularly encounter – a piece of faulty equipment, a moving vehicle, or something in our environment that could cause a physical injury. Others can be less obvious.
In week two of Safe Work Month, our focus is For Health – encouraging us to take a look at how our work can affect both our physical and psychological health.
This includes the pressures people can experience at work. Pressure itself isn’t necessarily a problem, but it can become one when it builds over time or people feel they can’t keep up with what’s being asked of them.
Recognising when pressure is building
When someone is fatigued or under sustained pressure, concentrating can become harder. We might rush something we’d normally take more time over, increasing the chance of mistakes.
That’s why we need to recognise these issues as workplace risks rather than something people are expected to manage entirely on their own.
If you notice that pressure at work is starting to affect your mental health, raise it early. Likewise, if someone in your team doesn’t seem like themselves or appears to be struggling with their workload, take a moment to check in with them. Starting the conversation and offering understanding is an essential first step.
World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day was observed on the weekend, which gives us another opportunity to think about our own mental health and the people we work alongside.
By creating an environment where people feel safe to be open about their mental health, we can better anticipate when someone needs a bit of extra support before things get serious.
Taking a few minutes to check in
We particularly encourage our leaders to pay attention to what’s happening within their teams. If there’s any factors creating unnecessary pressure, consider what can be changed rather than waiting for the problem to resolve itself.
You can use the toolbox talk links below to start these conversations with your teams.
It’s also a great time to check in with yourself. Through the Sonder app, our EAP, you can complete a three-minute wellbeing check in, as well as access a range of health and wellbeing resources and 24/7 support for you and your immediate family.
In addition to our EAP, there are a range of other support services that you can you also access in a time of need.
Looking after our health at work goes beyond preventing physical injuries - paying attention to the pressures affecting ourselves and the people around us is part of keeping each other safe too.
Lyndal Gibbs and the Safety team
GM Health, Safety & Environment, Programmed
Endorsed by:
Graeme Hurn
CEO, Programmed
Matthew Cotterall
EGM, Programmed Facility Management
Troy Hovey
EGM, Programmed Property Services
David Hele
EGM, Programmed IIT & PERSOL ANZ
Dean Archbold
EGM, Energy & Resources | Offshore
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