Training Materials

Why Manage Mental Health

The Essentials of a mental health strategy

Implementing OMH in the Workplace

It is well established that physical and mental health are interrelated, and psychosocial risks that may cause mental ill-health are related to other physical health problems such as heart disease and diabetes. New evidence published by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work in 2021 also shows the link between psychosocial factors and musculoskeletal disorders. Meanwhile, other studies show that many people who develop a physical health problem will go on to develop a mental health problem as well. A relationship between psychosocial work environment and accidents has also been indicated.

The employer should ensure that its OH&S management system remains up to date, appropriate, effective and relevant to its operations and activities in relation to its management of psychosocial risk. Within this context, the systematic approach and principles of risk assessment can follow those adopted for other OSH risks.

There are two well established methods to proactively address health and safety in the workplace, and these are just as applicable to Mental Health. These are; Risk Management  and Wellbeing Promotion.

In order to have a successful management of OMH you need a full commitment throughout the organisation.

Top management should also:

  • Show leadership and
  • Psychosocial risk and promoting well-being at work.
  • Determine the resources needed and make them available in a timely and efficient manner;
  • Receive feedback to determine the effectiveness of managing and preventing psychosocial risk within the OH&S management system.
Share this on