BSI’s new psychological health and safety scheme supports Australian organizations
29 June 2022
Axicom, which was recently acquired by Australia Tower Network (ATN), has become the first organization in Australia to prove through the commitment of its People and Culture team and leaders that it prioritizes its people and has now been certified against BSI’s scheme which is based on the international standard ISO 45003:2021 Occupational health and safety management — Psychological health and safety at work — Guidelines for managing psychosocial risks.
Cameron Evans, CEO of the newly merged business, said:
“This important focus will continue for all staff as the new business is formed and will continue as a key priority to ensure strong business and, importantly, people outcomes.”
The new international standard, which was published in 2021, provides guidelines on how to improve the psychological health, safety and well-being of workers. It underlines the importance of establishing a safe, supportive culture by identifying and tackling the work causes of poor psychological health and safety, thereby creating an environment which helps promote well-being.
The certification scheme, developed by BSI, will review the impact of an occupational health and safety management system and how it covers not only physical health and safety but also psychological health by managing psychosocial risks, which can give rise to physical, mental, cognitive and emotional harm.
Kate Field, Global Head of Health, Safety and Well-being, at BSI said:
“Up to 45 per cent of mental health problems experienced by working people are attributed to workplace conditions, with initial data confirming a rise in mental health issues since the pandemic hit. The health, safety and well-being of workers are of paramount importance when looking at the effectiveness, efficiency, and long-term resilience of organizations.”
“ISO 45003 supports organizations to understand the issues, develop new, organizational level approaches and proactively manage the risks in the short and longer-term. Supporting psychological health and safety at work has never been more important with stress, burnout, anxiety and depression costing economies billions from reduced productivity, long-term sickness absence and its related costs.”
Chris Meehan, BSI’s Chief Operating Officer for Australia and New Zealand, said:
“Australia Tower Network deserve congratulations on becoming the first organization in Australia to be certified to BSI’s psychological health and safety at work scheme, proving they prioritize their people. It is vital for organizations to take a proactive, top-down approach to support the health, safety and overall well-being of staff and we hope their achievement encourages others to do the same.”
For more information on ISO 45003: Occupational health and safety management — Psychological health and safety at work — Guidelines for managing psychosocial risks please visit the BSI website.
