Early recognition of secondary mental injuries supports recovery

A secondary mental injury is a mental health condition arising directly from the event that caused a physical injury, or from the physical injury itself. It can develop from trauma linked to the incident, such as an assault, or from difficulties coping with the physical injury.

These conditions can be complex. Compared with physical injuries or primary mental injuries, they often involve longer claims, greater costs and poorer return-to-work outcomes.

The Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 requires insurers to take all reasonable steps to minimise the risk of a physically injured worker developing a secondary psychological injury. This includes reasonable services such as medical treatment, counselling and support, with obligations running from claim acceptance until the worker’s compensation entitlement ends. Insurers must also pay necessary and reasonable treatment and travel costs.

Insurers also have a duty to take reasonable steps to offer early psychological support to workers who have made a valid application for a psychological or psychiatric injury. That support is available while the insurer is deciding the claim.

WorkCover uses tools such as the OREBRO questionnaire to identify psychosocial risks early, helping workers access timely treatment and potentially reducing the likelihood of a mental injury developing. WorkSafe Queensland explains that increased reporting reflects better recognition of existing issues, rather than the creation of new injuries.

The release also addresses the misconception that discussing mental health causes harm or encourages new injuries. Open conversations can help workers obtain care earlier and reduce the impact and duration of a secondary mental injury if one develops. Collaboration between employers, workers, WorkCover and treating medical and allied health practitioners can support recovery and a more effective response to change.

Evidence indicates that an employer’s response is often the most significant factor in whether an injured worker develops a secondary mental injury. A proactive and empathetic response can make a substantial difference, while more data allows interventions to be tailored and outcomes to be monitored more effectively.

WorkSafe Queensland’s Supervisor Quick Reference Guide sets out key actions and resources employers can use to support injured workers through the claims process. The release highlights better reporting and early recognition of psychosocial risks as ways to build a clearer picture of workers’ needs and provide support sooner.

How Blue Safe can help: Our free WHS self-check can help you review your approach to workplace health and safety, including psychosocial hazards, and identify areas that may need closer attention. Take the free WHS self-check