❓ A parliamentary question highlights the lack of specific legislation for suicide prevention in FIFO workplaces, prompting the Mental Health Commission to outline its support for related programs and resources.
AnsweredQoN 1710Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to FIFO workers, shift workers and long
shift workers, and workplace support for improving mental health in the
workplace, and I ask: (a) is there a legislative compliance for industry
to implement suicide prevention activities and training in their workplace, and
promoting mental health; (b) if yes to (a), how does the Mental Health Commission assess
the legislative compliance obligations of industry bodies and large companies; (c) if no to (a), why not; and (d) if there is no legislative compliance and/or
assessment process, how does the Mental Health Commission assist industry bodies and large
companies to fulfil its duty of care to its workers?
shift workers, and workplace support for improving mental health in the
workplace, and I ask: (a) is there a legislative compliance for industry
to implement suicide prevention activities and training in their workplace, and
promoting mental health; (b) if yes to (a), how does the Mental Health Commission assess
the legislative compliance obligations of industry bodies and large companies; (c) if no to (a), why not; and (d) if there is no legislative compliance and/or
assessment process, how does the Mental Health Commission assist industry bodies and large
companies to fulfil its duty of care to its workers?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
26 November 2014
Responded by
Minister for Mental Health
Response time
43 days
(a) No.
(b) Not Applicable.
(c) The Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984, which applies to many workplaces, requires employers to provide a safe workplace and safe systems of work. WorkSafe administers this Act but it does not apply to workplaces to which the Mining Act 1978, or the Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994 applies. There are also other exclusions to some workplaces such as petroleum operations. Many FIFO workers are employed at such facilities and none of the legislation that relates to workplace safety specifically addresses suicide prevention. The Mental Health Commission (MHc), in its submission to the Inquiry into the Mental Health Impacts of FIFO Work Arrangements by the Education and Health Standing Committee, has raised the lack of clear legislation regarding suicide prevention activities and training in FIFO related workplaces.
(d) The MHC provides support to a number of programs and initiatives to promote mental health in the industry. This includes to Mates in Construction, a community development organisation aimed at reducing suicide and improving mental health and wellbeing within the construction industry. Mates in Construction, with support from the MHC, provide suicide prevention training and awareness, as well as host community connectors and caseworkers to support individuals at risk.
The MHC funded the development of thisfifolife.com, an online resource for FIFO workers and their families that includes blogs, videos and information on where to get help. The Mental Health Commission funds the delivery of mental health training for organisations and individuals and is also working on a new resource to assist organisations in dealing with death and suicide in the workplace.
(b) Not Applicable.
(c) The Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984, which applies to many workplaces, requires employers to provide a safe workplace and safe systems of work. WorkSafe administers this Act but it does not apply to workplaces to which the Mining Act 1978, or the Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994 applies. There are also other exclusions to some workplaces such as petroleum operations. Many FIFO workers are employed at such facilities and none of the legislation that relates to workplace safety specifically addresses suicide prevention. The Mental Health Commission (MHc), in its submission to the Inquiry into the Mental Health Impacts of FIFO Work Arrangements by the Education and Health Standing Committee, has raised the lack of clear legislation regarding suicide prevention activities and training in FIFO related workplaces.
(d) The MHC provides support to a number of programs and initiatives to promote mental health in the industry. This includes to Mates in Construction, a community development organisation aimed at reducing suicide and improving mental health and wellbeing within the construction industry. Mates in Construction, with support from the MHC, provide suicide prevention training and awareness, as well as host community connectors and caseworkers to support individuals at risk.
The MHC funded the development of thisfifolife.com, an online resource for FIFO workers and their families that includes blogs, videos and information on where to get help. The Mental Health Commission funds the delivery of mental health training for organisations and individuals and is also working on a new resource to assist organisations in dealing with death and suicide in the workplace.
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