Mental stress claims on the increase
Media release
- 21 Jul 2011Recent analysis by Australia’s federal work health and safety regulator, Comcare, has found that since 2006–07, there has been a 54% increase in mental stress claims, as a proportion of total accepted claims.
While injury claims have fallen over the same period, Comcare is concerned at the growing proportion of mental stress claims.
Comcare’s Work Health and Safety General Manager, Neil Quarmby, said poor health caused by job stress is fast becoming one of the biggest threats to health and safety in the workplace.
“Clearly this trend could have serious consequences for employees and employers through serious health issues and a significant loss in productivity.
“I am keen that employers get the message that health and safety at work is not only a physical issue but also increasingly involves mental health as well,” Mr Quarmby said.
The Comcare figures reveal that over the last 12 months, mental stress claims accounted for almost 22% of all serious claims that involved one week or more time off from work.
Mr Quarmby said employers must urgently address and manage psychosocial risk factors in the workplace and should know the signs of mental ill health among their employees.
These may include not getting things done, withdrawal from colleagues at work, inability to concentrate, increased consumption of caffeine, cigarettes or alcohol, conflict, uncharacteristic mood swings or unplanned absences from work.
The analysis shows that while work pressure was previously the main cause of serious mental stress claims, in the last 12 months, the proportion of serious mental stress claims related to harassment or workplace bullying has increased to a level equal to that of work pressure.
Mr Quarmby said there is a growing awareness of workplace bullying and harassment among workers which is one of the reasons for the rise in mental stress claims.
He said to combat the trend, Comcare has established a Centre of Excellence in Mental Health and Wellbeing at Work.
Mr Quarmby said the Centre brings together research bodies, employers, workers and health practitioners to identify solutions to mental health issues at workplaces so Comcare can provide support to employers and frontline managers.
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Media Contact
Russ Street
Phone: 1300 366 979 or 0478 305 675
Email: russ.street@comcare.gov.au
Media release: Mental stress claims on the increase [pdf]