Australians for Mental Health is calling for a comprehensive national strategy to improve mental health in workplaces after a Safe Work report revealed a massive increase in serious mental health conditions.
The report found that mental health conditions in workplaces now account for 9 percent of all serious workers’ compensation claims – an almost 40 percent increase since 2017-18.
The report also found that the median time lost to these claims is more than four times greater than the median time lost from all physical injuries and illnesses, and the median compensation paid is three times greater.
“This report demonstrates a troubling decline in the mental health of Australian workers and it’s yet another alarm signaling the mental health crisis we are in,” Australians for Mental Health Executive Director, Chris Gambian, said.
“Even more troubling is that when these workers do return to their workplaces they report a poorer return to work, and they are more likely to report stigma from their colleagues and employers.
“We need a comprehensive national strategy to treat psychosocial hazards and risks in the workplace with the same seriousness as physical hazards and risks”
“By taking a holistic approach – addressing the causes of mental ill-health at the root – we can alleviate pressure at the treatment end of the system, and help ensure Australians can live better, mentally healthy lives”
Chris Gambian is available for interview.
Media contact: Simon Black on 0420 488 219 or at [email protected]
Notes for editors:
About Australians for Mental Health:
Australians for Mental Health was founded in 2014 to campaign for fundamental change in the way the country thinks and acts about mental health. Our mission is to ensure that Australia starts putting mental health at the heart of our national life.