Psychological Safety

This page provides an outline of the University's risk management approach and resources to identify and control psychological hazards.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Guidelines provides guidance, strategies and resources to assist local workplaces to identify hazards early and adequately control risk.

The aim of the guideline is to promote a work, teaching and research environment that is mentally and physically safe and healthy by providing staff and students with information about:

  •  What a mentally healthy work and study environment looks and feels like
  •  How to create and maintain a mentally healthy work and study environment
  •  Possible signs of mental health issues
  •  Practical steps to support mental health
  •  Where to get further assistance

Refer to the University staff Wellbeing website for further information and resources.

The SafeWork SA website provides practical information to support psychological hazards and work-related stress including:

The University's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free confidential counselling service provided by an external psychology practice. This program is available to staff and immediate family members to support them with a variety of work, emotional, career or personal related problems. Call 1300 277 924 for assistance.

As part of the EAP, the Manager Assist Program supports managers with personal and interpersonal work issues related to managing staff performance, work relationships and organisational change and can be accessed by telephone as well as face to face.

The University online Hazard and Incident Reporting System can be used to report hazards, injuries or illness with such reports triggering the involvement of People, Talent and Culture (PTC – formerly Human Resources) personnel who can guide staff on available support. Information maintained in this system is kept confidential.

Risk management

Some risk control strategies may include:

  • Encouraging staff to take regular breaks away from their desks to support, not just their physical health, but their mental health as well
  • Supporting staff to participate in Flexible Work Arrangements if it is appropriate to do so, in accordance with the internal procedure
  • Involving staff in decision making processes particularly where change is being considered
  • Supporting participation in mental health education sessions

 

Guidelines

References and resources