Coffs Harbour Community Corrections hit with SafeWork improvement notices relating to psychosocial workplace issues

A union is sounding the alarm about the health and safety of community corrections workers following a SafeWork probe into hazardous culture at a Coffs Harbour office.

An aerial shot of Coffs Harbour.

A union is sounding the alarm about the health and safety of community corrections workers following an investigation into hazardous workplace culture at a Coffs Harbour office.

On Tuesday May 7, SafeWork issued the Coffs Harbour Community Corrections Office with three provisional improvement notices (PINs).

Businesses are hit with PINs when they have been found to possibly be in breach of the Work Health and Safety Act.

The notices were handed out after an investigation found inadequate management of psychosocial hazards, including inconsistent or unfair management of work performance and behaviours, according to the Public Service Association (PSA).

The probe pointed to inadequate training and a lack of appropriate systems to deal with psychosocial hazards.

Picture: Tim Hunter.

The union states it will “not accept any response that aims to blame the brave staff who may have submitted complaints”.

The union said senior management should take full responsibility for the issues identified and it raised an “inadequate” 2022 investigation into bullying and inappropriate behaviour at Coffs community corrections.

It also alleges failure to “address psychosocial hazards” resulted in workers being in harm’s way through to this year.

The PSA alleged issues went further than Coffs Harbour (pictured).

The union claimed workplace issues could not be isolated to Coffs alone – and pointed to broader concerns for the health and safety of state corrections workers.

“Unfortunately bullying, harassment and the risk of psychological injury are not isolated to Coffs Harbour,” the statement read.

“The PSA have written specifically in regard to inadequate workplace investigations into bullying, and the associated risk of psychological injury to our members.

“Now that SafeWork have issued these PINs, it is vital that Community Corrections respond and review their systems for managing psychosocial risks right across the state.”

File image.

In response, community corrections has already been given a number of directions, including reviewing current workplace systems to better identify psychosocial hazards.

The organisation also plans to demonstrate to workers how reports of exposure to psychological hazards will be managed.

Corrective services has also been directed to update policies and procedures relating to psychosocial hazards (including bullying), where necessary, and to provide specific information, training and instruction to workers about psychosocial hazard management.

In a statement, a spokesman from SafeWork said inquiries were being made into psychosocial hazards at the Coffs community corrections office.

“SafeWork NSW are continuing to work with corrective services to ensure these issues are addressed, and further comment is not available at this time,” he said.

Corrective Services NSW said the department has commenced work on the recommendations made by SafeWork.