Aussie workers health not prioritised by employers

New data from SAI Global reveal that Australian workplaces are not prioritising employee health.

1 in 2 workers admit that their bosses don’t send sick employees’ home.

2 in 5 says work overload and stress is rife.

1 in 3 say inadequate training is provided.

“Employers have a primary duty of care when it comes to the health and safety of workers – from observing all health and safety legislation, to ensuring that all work is conducted without risk to workers’ health and safety,” says workplace safety spokesperson at SAI Global, Rod Beath.

“However, our research shows that many employers are not meeting these basic responsibilities.”

“When an organisation’s workplace is certified, to the ISO 45001 international standard for occupational health and safety, they are committed to safety improvements within the workplace – which can include sickness relating to work-related stress or mental stress,” says Mr Beath.

SAI Global reveals its six tips for how employers can look after the health and wellbeing of their workplaces:

1. Promote an open and trusting management style and environment. Regular catch ups between managers and staff, support, training programs, and return-to-work programs.
2. Encourage work-balance. Employers should offer flexible start and finish times so employees can fit in important lifestyle needs.
3. Create clear job roles and responsibilities. It’s vital to provide clarity in a job description – setting clear roles and responsibilities, especially formal ones.
4. Promote open communication and strong social networks. Employees thrive on friendship and good social interaction, so it’s important to create a workplace where people enjoy coming to work.
5. Reward good work. Fulfilling careers are built on good experiences, and so employers should ensure they reward their workers on their individual efforts.
6. Engage workers in the formulation of wellness programs. Workers should participate not just in the execution of a wellness program, but in its design. Involving them in the engagement process early, they will soon ‘walk the talk’.

To book an Occupational Health and Safety audit by SAI Global, visit: http://www.saiglobal.com.au/iso45001/