Mental stress a major cause of workplace injuries

Safe Work Tasmania recently released statistics that show mental stress as being one of the main causes of workplace injuries in Tasmania.

In releasing the information, the Minister for Workplace Relations, the Hon David O’Byrne, said: “In 2009, a total of 9273 injuries were reported, including 372 caused by mental stress. On a national level, statistics show that more than three million people in Australia experience depression, anxiety or related alcohol and drug problems each year. And undiagnosed depression in the workplace costs $4.3 billion annually in lost productivity.

“Every employee with depression will, on average, take three to four days off work per month, equivalent to over six million days lost each year in Australia.

“In 2008, WorkCover Tasmania entered into a unique research project based at the University of Tasmania, which focuses on mental health in small to medium enterprises.

“This Business in Mind project recently released a DVD and resource kit to assist small and medium business owners and managers recognise the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety, and manage mental health in the workplace.”