Australia’s disability service sector has grown from 30,000 to 450,000 in the past 7 years but at the same time, we are seeing an industry which hasn’t kept pace with the hazards its workers are facing.
Minister Cotsis is in Newcastle today alongside SafeWork NSW to observe compliance checks targeted at disability service providers and speak to the media.
SafeWork NSW will be on the road in Newcastle throughout the month of June to raise the standards of workplace health and safety when dealing with psychosocial hazards.
SafeWork NSW has issued notices after there were requests to investigate allegations, including high work demands, bullying, a lack of support and unrealistic expectations on workers.
The most recent workers compensation claims data shows psychosocial hazards, which can cause stress and lead to psychological and physical harm, are prominent in the disability services sector.
Workers are experiencing work-related bullying and harassment, and exposure to workplace violence more frequently than in other roles.
Minister Costis will be at Includa Services Newcastle (Suite 202/215-217 Pacific Hwy, Charlestown NSW 2290) from 10:30 this morning and the media is invited to attend.
Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis said:
“Businesses are required to manage the risk of psychosocial hazards to workers by providing and maintaining safe systems of work, including managing workloads, monitoring the health of workers and ensuring any risks are adequately controlled.
“SafeWork NSW has been on the ground speaking with workers in the Disability Sector and they have told us that more can be done to effectively manage psychosocial hazards in the industry.
“The disability services sector provides an essential community service, we must ensure the health and safety of the people doing this work.”
Back to top