❓ Question regarding legislative compliance for suicide prevention and mental health support for FIFO and shift workers. Answer clarifies existing OSH Act responsibilities and WorkSafe's role in mental health support and assessment.
AnsweredQoN 1582Legislative 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 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 Department of Commerce 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 Department of Commerce 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 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 Department of Commerce 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 Department of Commerce assist industry bodies and large
companies to fulfil its duty of care to its workers?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
14 October 2014
Responded by
Minister for Commerce
Response time
35 days
(a) Under the
Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984
(the OSH Act), all parties involved in the workplace have responsibilities, so far as is reasonably practicable for safety and health (including mental health) at work. It should be noted that many FIFO workers are employed in workplaces where occupational safety and health is covered under mining and petroleum legislation.
(b) WorkSafe has specialist Psycho-social inspectors who conduct a variety of proactive and reactive investigations and inspections related to workplace mental health matters, typically in support of particular campaigns, complaints or reports of prescribed incidents.
In addition to assessment activities, WorkSafe provides extensive workplace mental health information through regular educational public seminars and workshops, its Customer Helpline and on its website. WorkSafe has also developed an internal system for referral to the WA Health Department's Mental Health Emergency Response Line (promptly and directly for callers that express thoughts of self-harm and/or high level of emotional distress) and to other relevant government agencies (eg. Resources Safety and WorkCover) and Mental Health Helpline organisations (eg. Lifeline and BeyondBlue).
(c) N/A
(d) N/A
Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984
(the OSH Act), all parties involved in the workplace have responsibilities, so far as is reasonably practicable for safety and health (including mental health) at work. It should be noted that many FIFO workers are employed in workplaces where occupational safety and health is covered under mining and petroleum legislation.
(b) WorkSafe has specialist Psycho-social inspectors who conduct a variety of proactive and reactive investigations and inspections related to workplace mental health matters, typically in support of particular campaigns, complaints or reports of prescribed incidents.
In addition to assessment activities, WorkSafe provides extensive workplace mental health information through regular educational public seminars and workshops, its Customer Helpline and on its website. WorkSafe has also developed an internal system for referral to the WA Health Department's Mental Health Emergency Response Line (promptly and directly for callers that express thoughts of self-harm and/or high level of emotional distress) and to other relevant government agencies (eg. Resources Safety and WorkCover) and Mental Health Helpline organisations (eg. Lifeline and BeyondBlue).
(c) N/A
(d) N/A
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