Workplace mental health guide launched

25 May 2010

The Australian Human Rights Commission's latest publication, Workers with Mental Illness: a Practical Guide for Managers, provides employers and managers with information on how to appropriately support workers with mental illness. Partner Pat Mullins reports. 

The development of a safe and healthy environment for all workers is a key driver behind the publication, Workers with Mental Illness. Written as a practical guide, it is also designed to assist employers and managers to understand their obligations under occupational health and safety (OHS) and disability discrimination legislation and to understand mental illness and how to talk about mental illness. 

Australian Human Rights Commission President, Cathy Branson QC, explained that the guide was developed because research conducted by the  Commission showed that managers want to provide support to staff members who live with a mental illness, but often lack the confidence or skills to do so.

The Commission notes that with one in five Australian adults experiencing a mental illness every year, the guide will assist employers to find the best way to maximise productivity while reducing the incidence of illness in their workplace.

The guide has been released after extensive consultation with the business community, trades unions, disability organisations, workplace safety bodies and employers.

Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, believes that Workers with Mental Illness will help improve the capacity of managers and employers to manage OHS issues, treat all employees fairly and ensure safer workplaces for all Australians. 

The publication has been endorsed by the Fair Work Ombudsman, beyondblue: the national depression initiative, SANE Australia, the Mental Health Council of Australia, and supported by Safe Work Australia. 

It is available online at: www.humanrights.gov.au/disability_rights/publications/workers_mental_illness_guide.html

For further information, please contact:

Pat Mullins | Partner
Mullins Lawyers
t +61 7 3224 0350
f +61 7 3224 0333
pmullins@mullinslaw.com.au