Psychosocial Breakfast Event Resounding Success

The 70 strong Chapter breakfast event on 25 October 2022 entitled "Psychosocial hazards - Managing an emerging trend" saw broad representation across industry and professional sectors including health, justice, security and OHS.

Experts presenting were Assoc Professor Andrew Carroll and Brett Bridges, two leaders in their field from Our Curious Minds.

After an introduction by the Chapter Chair who highlighted trends involving mental trauma experienced across healthcare and VicPol, he noted recent comments by WorkSafe in an article published 10 October 2022 “Mental injuries surge in Victorian workplaces.”

The presentations by Assoc Professor Andrew Carroll and Brett Bridges were well-received. Content included an overview of psychosocial hazards and some case studies involving vicarious trauma including the recent High Court decision in Kozarov.

Discussion also ensued about the new OHS Regulations proceeding through Parliament on psychosocial hazards. Amongst other things, the Regulations explain how organisations can minimise risk by adopting areas of risk.

The Chapter is most grateful for the presentations by Assoc Professor Andrew Carroll and Brett Bridges. We also acknowledge the background work in arranging this event by the Chapter Events Coordinator Ben Connley-Walker.