A parliamentary inquiry into NSW's workers' compensation system has put forward 18 recommendations, with a focus on psychological injuries at work.
Under one of the recommendations, SafeWork NSW, the workplace health and safety regulator, will be enforcing the use of risk assessments for psychosocial hazards in workplaces where psychological risks are high.
Other key recommendations include improving workplace health and safety programs, enhancing the skills of safety representatives to handle psychosocial hazards, and launching enforcement campaigns targeting workplaces with high psychological injury rates.
The report also suggests addressing declining return-to-work rates, investigating the causes of stress-related injuries in sectors like public education, and exploring strategies to support psychologically injured workers in finding alternative roles.
The inquiry found a rise in psychological injury claims, primarily due to factors like increased work pressure, harassment, and exposure to traumatic events. Various groups, including the NSW Teachers Federation, highlighted overwhelming workloads contributing to psychological injuries among teachers.
The report calls for preventative measures and improved support structures in workplaces to address the growing issue of work-related psychological injuries. The NSW Government is expected to respond to these recommendations by March next year.
