The newly released AR Interactive – Power, Electrical & Renewable Energy Guide to Safety 2022/23 endorsed by the National Safety Council of Australia (NSCA) and supported by Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) primary focus is to provide tools and resources to enable those conducting a business or undertaking to take a prevention-led strategic approach to managing mental health and wellbeing, and build capacity for a productive mentally healthy workplace that supports workers and helps break the stigma and discrimination that often surrounds this topic.

This focus is particularly in light of the model work health and safety (WHS) laws which now include regulations on psychosocial hazards and a new model Code of Practice Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work. This guide is an overview of the Australian mental health workforce policy landscape, which varies across jurisdictions, however has commonalities in its aims and principles, as mental injury claims continue to increase.

Australian construction workers are six times more likely to die from suicide, with young workers and apprentices more than two times more likely to take their own lives than other young Australian men. Mental injury claims have grown significantly, from 9% for the period prior to 2009 to currently 13% and in the next 10 years are predicted to grow to 33% of workers’ compensation claims according to SafeWork Australia’s The Mental Health Strategy 2021-2024.

Exposure to psychosocial hazards, and the risk of psychological injury as a result, is a serious problem. Mental Health and safety is just as important as the physical health and safety of all those working in the electrical sector. Addressing psychosocial hazards is crucial for the health and safety of workers as when someone is experiencing poor mental health, this may contribute to workplace accidents and injuries, and reduce productivity. When managing mental health risks onsite, it must be managed in the same way as other hazards are managed onsite; identify the hazard, assess the risk, control the risk using the hierarchy of controls, and monitor and review the control for effectiveness.

Distributed to electricians, electrical contractors and wholesalers, power and utility providers, the AR Interactive – Power, Electrical & Renewable Energy Guide to Safety 2022/23 is developed with interactive augmented reality (AR) capabilities for use with a smart device, using the free Pro-Vis AR App to download resources such as videos and 3D animations for users to engage effectively on matters relating to mental health and wellbeing conversations; supportive discussions that address key strategic actions and procedures which aim to reduce the impact of industry-specific risk factors and promotion of protective factors. Available via free subscription at www.provisual.com.au free mental health support resources include:

• SafeWork QLD Workplace Mental Health Matters Video;
• Mates in Construction Man Up & Trade Tools Man Up & Speak Up Video
• Heads Up Better Mental Health in the Workplace Fact Sheet

Additional WHS topics that address issues pertinent to this vital industry sector includes:

• Working in a Confined Space: Risk Assessment & Control Measures; Entering & Exiting; Communication & Safety Monitoring; Respiratory Protective Equipment; Emergency Procedures. Free resources include Ventilation in Confined Spaces and Confined Spaces Criteria
• Working at Heights is a high-risk activity and a leading cause of death and serious injury: Risk Assessment; Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS); Fall Arrest Systems. Free resources include Safe Work Australia SWMS for High-Risk Construction Work Information Sheet & Guide to Managing Risks of Industrial Rope Access Systems
• New Guide on Managing the Risks – Elevating Work Platforms (EWPs). Free resources include Safe Work Australia (EWP) Pre-Operational Checklist and EWPA Operator Licence Yellow Card requirements as of 31 December 2022
• Trenching and Excavation Work: Hazard Identification & Control Measures. Free resources include BYDA-free pre-excavation referral service

“Mental Health and safety is just as important as the physical health and safety of all those working in the electrical sector viewed through the framework of risk management, protecting all workers from psychological workplace hazards,” Pro-Visual Publishing chief executive John Hutchings says.

“Preventing psychological harm is an essential part of creating a healthy and safe workplace. On average, work-related psychological injuries have longer recovery times, higher costs, and require more time away from work when compared with physical injuries.

Health and safety strategies and accident prevention measures need to be individualised and adapted to the type of worker most likely to be at risk and shaping a culture of safety for Young Workers and Apprentices. This vital free Workplace Safety initiative would not be possible without the ongoing support from our Corporate Sponsors and Industry Associations.”