Parliamentary Committee on Occupational Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation: Work Related Mental Disorders and Suicide Prevention

The Hon. S.W. KEY (Ashford) (11:48): I move:

That the 26^th report of the committee, entitled Work Related Mental Disorders and Suicide Prevention, be noted.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have contributed to this report by making submissions and giving evidence. I thank all those individuals and not-for-profit organisations that are making a big difference to people struggling with mental health issues, often with very few resources. This has been a long and in-depth inquiry that has uncovered some more alarming statistics about mental disorders affecting workers and, ultimately, businesses and the South Australian economy. The inquiry also revealed opportunities for improvement, and these are reflected in the report and the recommendations.

Having had the honour of being on the occupational safety, rehabilitation and compensation committee as the Presiding Member in the last two sessions of parliament, but also as a new recruit into parliament, I would have to say that this inquiry into work-related mental disorders and suicide prevention is one of the inquiries I will very much remember, along with the inquiry initiated by the former member for Mitchell, Alan Sibbons, when we looked at violence in the workplace.

That was a very frightening report to receive, and I think that the member for Reynell, when she was on the committee, will remember some of the evidence we heard in relation to violence in the workplace. I know that certainly in her time, when we started this inquiry into work-related mental disorders and suicide prevention, like me she was equally concerned about some of the evidence we were receiving. I would particularly like to acknowledge the work of the Hon. John Dawkins in the other place. He is the main reason we really wanted to support the great work that he has done over the years and bring that into an industrial relations work focus.

The prevention of psychological injuries arising from work falls within the scope of the Work Health and Safety Act, which places a primary duty of care on a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) to, so far as reasonably practicable, ensure that workers are not exposed to health and safety risks. Work is good for many things, including a feeling of self-worth and identity. It provides opportunities to develop skills, to form social relationships and to plan for the future. Work is good for mental health and wellbeing. Although, I must say that in this particular occupation I would probably have to qualify some of those principles—just from my experience; I am sure other people have a more positive outlook.

Many people of working age will suffer from mental disorder at some time during their life, the disabling effects of which are broad and can include a loss of housing, employment and social skills, as well as support networks. Depression and anxiety are the most common work-related mental disorders and easily treatable, in most cases. It is estimated that 80 per cent of unproductive time and absenteeism is due to depression, which is a significant cost not only to the worker but also to employers and the economy, and it is estimated to cost over $17 billion annually. The World Health Organisation warns that by 2030 depression is likely to be the number one cause of disability in developed countries.

The committee's inquiry into work-related mental health disorders and suicide prevention considered legal and policy issues, examined data and the impact of mental disorders and suicide on workers, business and, obviously, their families and others. Consideration of prevention initiatives included training information and availability of support. These were of considerable interest to the committee because prolonged mental stress can contribute to serious physical and mental disorders.

We understand that mental disorders account for 4 per cent of all accepted work-related injuries, but are responsible for five times more in costs and absence from work. Workers mid-career, aged 40 to 59, account for 46 per cent of all the psychological injury claims. The most common causes of work-related mental disorders are work pressure, harassment and bullying, occupational violence and exposure to traumatic incidents. Female workers account for more than half of all mental disorder claims. There is a high frequency rate of mental disorders reported by teachers, nurses and police officers in the public sector, while in the private sector community service workers, personal carers and truck drivers feature.

The committee recommends that the Minister for the Public Sector explore ways to reduce psychological harm in the public sector, and that the Minister for Industrial Relations investigate the call for presumptive provisions for police and emergency services, given the predisposition of these workers to suffer PTSD after many years of exposure to traumatic and often violent incidents. I would venture to say that the committee would also extend this view to people who are in what is called the 'first responding' category of work.

The committee was impressed by the low frequency rate of mental disorders reported by paramedics, given the nature of their work, which often brings them into contact with traumatic events and traumatised people. The ambulance service is justly proud of its peer support program which has been in operation for over 20 years. The program provides staff with wellness and assistance services, which helps protect them from PTSD risk factors. Over the past decade, significant improvements have been made in the frequency of work-related physical injuries and fatalities by analysing data, undertaking research, providing design of equipment and facilities and monitoring performance.

It is possible to reduce the frequency of mental disorders by adopting the same focus on psychological hazards. For those who suffer a significant work-related mental disorder, a medical impairment evaluation can be undertaken by the psychiatrist under the Return to Work Act. The guide of evaluation of psychiatric impairment for clinicians is the mandated evaluation tool and is commonly referred to as the GEPIC. Several witnesses raised concerns about the GEPIC, which they said is not a reliable and valid measure of psychiatric impairment.

Witnesses raised concerns about the subjective nature of the test and that few workers with psychiatric injury are likely to be assessed at 30 per cent or above. Even those with lower levels of impairment are likely to be significantly impaired to the degree that they have difficulty functioning and managing self care. For this reason, the committee recommends that the GEPIC be independently reviewed.

Suicide is the leading cause of death in men and women of working age. More people die from suicide than are fatally injured on our roads. There is no recent or reliable data on work-related suicides and there is very little research into the connection between work and suicide, but the committee heard some devastating stories and shocking statistics about suicides in certain industries. More men in the construction industry die from suicide than from work-related injury, the cost of which is estimated to be in excess of $57 million to the South Australian economy. An apprentice is more likely to die from suicide in the construction industry than from a work injury. Police and emergency services are also high risk for suicide.

Statistics show that there is a high frequency of self-harm by females, which might indicate that many male occupations provide the means to complete suicide attempts. The committee recommends that the Minister for Police commission research into the suicidal behaviour of police officers and identify mitigation strategies. We believe the number of police psychological health programs should be evaluated for effectiveness. It shocked the committee to hear that the South Australian public sector had experienced five suicides in the past five years as a result of work pressure.

The committee acknowledges the good work of the Chief Psychiatrist but notes that resources are limited. Recommendations reflect a need for adequate resources to enable the Chief Psychiatrist to effectively consult, promote and develop suicide prevention strategies. It is important for everyone to work together to ensure that mental health disorders and suicide are prevented. Recommendations reflect the need to help business adopt mentally healthy workplaces and to encourage and support workers to provide resilience and help when needed.

I extend my sincere thanks to the members of the committee: the member for Schubert, the member for Fisher and, from the other place, the Hon. John Dawkins, the Hon. John Darley and the Hon. Gerry Kandelaars. My thanks goes to the committee's executive officer, Ms Sue Sedivy.

Debate adjourned on motion of Mr Knoll.