Dr Way closely explains what “reasonably practicable” really means when it comes to ensuring psychological health in the workplace by addressing each of the five relevant matters listed in the WHS laws. Her message is unequivocal: employers are duty-bound to manage the risks associated with mental health disorders associated with work.
With around 45 percent of Australians experiencing a mental health condition in their lifetime, Dr Way emphasises the duty of all employers to keep their workers safe, including their mental health.
Dr Way demonstrates that, apart from the cost of mental ill-health to worker wellbeing, the productivity costs to Australian businesses are profound in terms of absenteeism, presenteeism, disengagement, and negative implications for work and client relationships.
She calls on the business community to act on issues affecting work-related mental health, and provides concrete examples of what can be done.