Safe Work Australia brings you an informative series of case studies, the first of which centres on recognising and handling psychosocial hazards in the retail environment. This inaugural case study incorporates lessons from actual scenarios to raise awareness about significant psychosocial risks faced by retail personnel. It navigates through efficacious strategies for safeguarding workplace health and safety.
The retail sector is a breeding ground for various psychosocial risks attributable to factors such as:
To illustrate these challenges, let’s consider Horizon Retailers, a company operating multiple stores with an employee strength exceeding 300. Their staff has reported concerns related to stress, anxiety, physical exhaustion, and psychological burnout. Such issues have contributed to increased absenteeism and lower retention rates.
So, how can Horizon Retailers navigate these WHS risks effectively? Preferably using a robust solution like the Bluesafe WHS Management System?
Enterprises need to take tangible steps towards eliminating or reducing workplace physio-psychological hazards to achievable levels. Their prime focus should be on adopting effective work safety products such as WHS management systems, SWMS (safe work method statements), and solidifying their existing policies. The Bluesafe WHS Management System, for example, offers an efficient approach towards managing such risks.
Our comprehensive case study titled ‘Managing the risk of psychosocial hazards in retail’ provides a deeper understanding of Horizon Retailers’ situation and the steps they undertook to manage their hazards. For additional insights into psychosocial hazards management, it is recommended to refer to our standard document ‘Code of Practice: Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work’.
Original article link: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/media-centre/news/managing-psychosocial-hazards-retail-case-study-available-now