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OHS-WHS
New challenges
Current systems of injury prevention and compensation
were established in the 1970s and 1980s to address
the problems of the time. But the world of work is
changing.
Musculoskeletal conditions, traditionally the major
type of workplace injury, are becoming less prevalent,
whereas work-related mental health conditions are
becoming more common. We have more workers with
insecure jobs, we work longer hours on average, and
workplace stress has been growing.
But while we have been effective at reducing workplace
risk for physical injuries in Australia, we have not paid
the same attention to risk factors for mental health
conditions.
(See Work-related mental health issues below)
Work-related mental health issues
Number of serious claims due to mental disorders, 2000-01 to 2011-12
10,000
9,000
8,000
7,000
6,000
5,000
4,000
2000-01
2007-08
2008-09
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics Get the data
This change represents a big new
challenge for employers as well
as government prevention and
compensation agencies. It must be
coupled with changing workplace
culture to address the discrimination
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and stigma that many workers with
mental health conditions experience.
Some government-led and employerfocused initiatives are now tackling
these issues, but much more needs to
be done.
Only time will tell whether the changes
governments make to create better
workplaces and safety nets for workers
will be effective for addressing the new
ways we work.