❓ A parliamentary question regarding workplace health and safety within the WA Health Department, specifically concerning mental health support for staff dealing with distressed individuals. The Minister's response outlines existing policies and confidentiality measures.
AnsweredQoN 5887Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to Workplace Health and Safety at the Western Australian Health Department under contract to the Mental Health Commission, and I ask —
(1) Can the Minister confirm the workplace health and safety conditions which the Western Australia Health Department employs it's staff under as a receiver of Mental Health Commission funding?
(2) Can the Minister outline how many employees have accessed Employment Assistance Programs and counselling support for distress or suicidal ideation related to their employment (i.e.: working with distressed people)?
(3) Does the Minister agree that if Western Australia Police has such policies (1-2) in place to prevent physical and mental illness within its procedures that the Western Australia Health Department is negligent in its duty if it does not implement such policies?
(1) Can the Minister confirm the workplace health and safety conditions which the Western Australia Health Department employs it's staff under as a receiver of Mental Health Commission funding?
(2) Can the Minister outline how many employees have accessed Employment Assistance Programs and counselling support for distress or suicidal ideation related to their employment (i.e.: working with distressed people)?
(3) Does the Minister agree that if Western Australia Police has such policies (1-2) in place to prevent physical and mental illness within its procedures that the Western Australia Health Department is negligent in its duty if it does not implement such policies?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
18 September 2012
Responded by
Minister for Mental Health
Response time
35 days
1. The Department of Health is committed to providing and maintaining a safe working environment for it's staff, within the legislative framework of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (1994) WA, the Code of Practice, Occupational Safety and Health in the Western Australian Public Sector, and the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 (WA).
2. The Department of Health provides Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and counselling availability to all staff. The attendance of its staff at these services is confidential, no names or specific 'reason' for attendance are provided to the Department. No mental health specific information can be provided.
3. The Department of Health has these policies in place and actively encourages staff awareness and use of them.
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2. The Department of Health provides Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and counselling availability to all staff. The attendance of its staff at these services is confidential, no names or specific 'reason' for attendance are provided to the Department. No mental health specific information can be provided.
3. The Department of Health has these policies in place and actively encourages staff awareness and use of them.
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
http://www.rtlib.com
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