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

2. Take early action

• 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?

3. Get support

• 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

4. Plan their return

• 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:
  • Managing the risks of psychosocial hazards at work Code of Practice 2022
  • Psychosocial Risk Assessment Tool (PDF, 0.57 MB)
  • Managing the relationship during return to work | Safe Work Australia
  • Early intervention and supporting recovery workshop

5. Boost workplace wellbeing

• 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:
  • Small Business Support Network | Business Queensland
  • Mentally Healthy Workplaces Toolkit (PDF, 10.61 MB)
  • 5 tips for a mentally healthy workplace – OBE Organic
  • Psychological health for small business – Hayley Lewis
  • Injury Prevention and Management program

Download Guiding the way resources

• Guiding the way (PDF, 0.41 MB)
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• Email signature (JPG, 0.16 MB)
• A3 poster (PDF, 0.43 MB)
• Postcard (PDF, 0.42 MB)