Job stress emerging as a growing issue as the number of WorkSafe claims jump

Workplace stress is so bad that some employees can’t eat or sleep, or are physically ill due to anxiety. And the rising number of mental injury claims is just the tip of the iceberg for employers.

Job stress is emerging as a serious problem in Victoria’s workplaces, as new figures show that bullying, anxiety and exposure to trauma is driving up the number of WorkSafe claims.

Almost 70 claims a week for workplace mental injury claims are now being lodged with WorkSafe.

Some employees are so debilitated by job stress they can’t eat or sleep, or are physically ill through anxiety.

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And workers who take time off with mental stress are usually off longer than those recovering from physical injuries.

Stuart Le Grand, partner at Le Grand Margalit lawyers, said the rising number of claims for workplace stress was just the tip of the iceberg.

“There are many people who are under so much stress the thought of taking legal action against their employer is too much to deal with,’’ Mr Le Grand said.

Health care workers have one of the highest rates of workplace stress.

“We’re not just talking a bad day at work, these are workers who are often physically ill driving to work or unable to eat or sleep because they are under so much stress.’’

Most claims come from employees in the health and social services sector.

WorkSafe received 3597 claims last year, a 13 per cent jump on the previous year.

Workplace Safety Minister Jill Hennessy said for too long the stigma of mental health stopped people from seeking help.

“Through WorkSafe, we’re making sure Victorian businesses have the resources they need to support workers who are experiencing mental health issues.”

WorkSafe health and safety executive director Julie Nielsen said exposure to trauma, bullying and stress can cause mental injuries.

Some employees are so debilitated by job stress they can’t eat or sleep, or are physically ill through anxiety.

“The best way to combat mental injury in the workplace is prevention,” Ms Nielsen said.

“A healthy and safe workplace — both physically and mentally — generally means improved morale, lower rates of absenteeism and improved productivity.”

Worksafe’s WorkWell program and Occupational Violence and Aggression campaign in the healthcare sector aim to raise awareness about mental wellbeing in the workplace.

Police, paramedics and other emergency service staff also report high levels of mental health issues.

One Melbourne worker, who spoke to the Herald Sun on the condition of anonymity, said he was on stress leave after dealing with emotional and aggressive clients in a public service post, a problem he said management failed to address.

“Staff were put in the firing line in front of emotional and angry clients on a daily basis, and this led to an increase in absenteeism.

“It’s not until you truly are affected with the symptoms of stress that you realise how debilitating it is.

“It is life changing.’’

Number of mental injury claims reported

2014: 2,985

2015: 3,065

2016: 3,094

2017: 3,171

2018: 3,597

Source: WorkSafe

@IanRoyall