Respect@Work Update
On 12 December 2022, the Respect at Work Act 2022 amended the Sex Discrimination Act 1984, introducing the new positive duty on employers and duty holders to ensure preventative measures are in place to eliminate discrimination, workplace sexual harassment and victimisation in the workplace. By December 2023, the Australian Human Rights Commission will have new powers to investigate and enforce compliance with the Respect at Work Act 2022.
In addition, under the Secure Jobs, Better Pay Act 2022, the time limit for sexual harassment complaints has now been increased from six to 24 months, and the Fair Work Commission can now make compensatory orders to deal with sexual harassment complaints.
Psychological Safety in the Workplace Update
On 1 April 2023, new Work, Health and Safety (WHS) laws came into effect across all jurisdictions in Australia. Amendments to the Model Code of Practice: Managing psychosocial hazards at work prescribe how employers and duty holders must identify and manage hazards and risks to workers’ psychological health and safety.
Organisations need to consider and review approaches to managing psychosocial risks and fostering mentally healthy workplaces. This includes engaging and consulting with workers.
Is your workplace is equipped to manage the risk of psychosocial hazards in the workplace?...
Respect@Work + Psychological Safety Risk Assessments
Respect at work and psychological safety in the workplace are linked. Bullying and harassment including sexual harassment have been identified as common psychosocial hazards in the workplace. You can’t have a mentally healthy workplace if you don’t meet your duties under the Respect at Work Act 2022.
Employers should take a consultative WHS risk management approach to ensuring your workplace is equipped to manage the risk of psychosocial hazards in the workplace, including but not limited to bullying, discrimination, workplace sexual harassment and victimisation.
Risk management is a stepped process of identifying hazards, assessing risks, controlling those risks and then reviewing the efficacy of control measures over time or in response to an event.
WorkPlacePLUS can facilitate a Respect@Work + Psychological Safety Risk Assessment for your organisation and support you to meet your employer obligations. We offer various implementation options such as:
Outsourced - An experienced WorkPlacePLUS consultant conducts the assessment and provides the clear, practical and independent advice to help you manage any risks or hazards.
Empowered – Your managers, supervisors, HR team and WHS representatives undertake our training and development program on managing psychological safety in the workplace including how to conduct the risk assessment.
For more information or bookings, please contact us today.