SafeWork SA inspectors are checking fatigue and psychological health risks at hospitals.

The new safety campaign is in response to a parliamentary inquiry into Workplace Fatigue and Bullying in Hospitals and Health Services, which recommended; “SafeWork SA develop and implement targeted strategies and plans, developed in conjunction with hospital employers, aimed at reducing instances of workplace fatigue and bullying”.

Inspectors are looking at potential psychological hazards and work-related fatigue, management of risks, adequate training, and ensuring they have appropriate control measures in place to prevent or minimise the risk of harm to their workers.

SafeWork SA Executive Director, Martyn Campbell, says every business can be affected to some degree by work-related fatigue and psychosocial risks. However, certain types of work and some industry sectors, like health, have inherently higher risk factors when shift work is a part of their business model.

“We recognise the unique challenges experienced by the health sector, including the current pressure on this industry during the COVID-19 pandemic so it is paramount more than ever to ensure safe systems of work are in place to protect these workers,” he said. 

SafeWork SA inspectors are also tasked with providing education and guidance to workplaces in managing their work health and safety responsibilities, particularly around fatigue and psychological health risks arising from bullying, harassment and other inappropriate workplace behaviours.