Recent data indicates that Australia is still lagging behind the rest of the developed world when it comes to providing workers with an environment free from the risk of psychiatric injury.

According to a study released by Ipsos, Australia is ranked eighth in the world for providing employment arrangements where workers feel they are psychologically safe in that environment. Leading the world was India, followed by the United States, Brazil, South Africa and the United Kingdom.

The potential risk factors for psychiatric injury can vary across workplaces. Some risk factors are restricted to individuals and their particular treatment of other employees. Others are more systemic, and can include long held attitudes toward workers utilising certain entitlements such as leave or WorkCover benefits.

In order to ensure psychological safety within the workplace, it is essential that everyone within the organisation, particularly management, recognises the potential problems and is prepared to be proactive in their response.

R U OK?

Initiatives such as R U OK Day, which is to be held this Thursday 14 September 2017, aims to encourage discussion within the workplace surrounding workplace stress and mental health concerns. Not only do these activities help facilitate an early response to potential psychiatric concerns, but they also assist in reducing the stigma surrounding these illnesses in general.

R U OK is a charitable organisation whose core mission is to encourage everyone to meaningfully connect with people around them and support everyone struggling with life. The board members of R U OK include Holding Redlich Partner Kathryn Howard.

R U OK? at Holding Redlich (of which Redlich's Work Injury Lawyers is a division) acknowledges this great work and reminds us to look out for our colleagues. It underpins an ongoing commitment to assist our staff with a range of support services.