Guiding the way: responding to mental injury at work

1. Recognise the signs

Understand mental health. Know the signs of poor mental health at work.
Spot the signs. Notice changes in performance, attendance, mood or social interactions.
Need urgent help? If you, or someone you know, is experiencing a mental health crisis, call Lifeline any time on 13 11 14. If life is in immediate danger call 000.
Access resources:
- What is mental health | Beyond Blue
- Nine signs of mental illness | Health Direct

Initiate contact and support. Reach out early. Offering support helps your worker feel less isolated and also makes good business sense.
Have a conversation. Don’t stay silent. Ask if they’re okay and listen without judgement. Try simple phrases like I’m sorry you’re going through this. | How can I help? | Thanks for trusting me with this.
Access resources:
- How to talk to someone you’re worried about | Beyond Blue
- How to ask, "Are you OK?" | R U OK?

Partner with your insurer.
- Accessing early treatment while your worker’s claim is being decided
Access services. Don't go it alone. Tap into free, independent services and assistance.
For employers:
- Workers’ Compensation Helpline for Employers
For workers:
- Workers’ Psychological Support Service
- Workers’ Compensation Information Advisory Service – Workers

Work together. Plan your worker’s return together, finding solutions that work for all.
When a worker considers their employer’s response to their injury to be fair and constructive, their return to work rate is between 43 to 52 per cent higher.
Commit to action. Identify and control psychosocial hazards to ensure a co-ordinated and safe return. Talk with your worker and your insurer to start this process.
Access resources:

Good work boosts mental health. Every $1 invested in mentally healthy workplaces returns up to $2.30 in reduced absenteeism and compensation.
Promote and model self-care and balance. Workplaces where leaders model positive behaviours help others to look after themselves.
Safeguard your workplace. Assess work for psychosocial hazards. Update workplace systems to improve mental health support and commit to employee wellbeing.
Access resources: