Overview

The aim of this on-demand activity is to ensure psychologists have a good working knowledge of legislative changes, trends, and organisational practices to manage psychosocial hazards and risks in the workplace.

The activity will provide a brief overview of:

1. the landscape for increased attention on mental health at work,

2. an overview of the legal and moral obligations of businesses,

3. the types of strategies organisations may need to focus on, and

4. the role of psychologists in assisting organisations and their employees.

This also includes understanding what actions organisations should be taking to maintain a mentally healthy workplace, and the rights of employees to work in an environment where risks are controlled.

It is designed to enhance the knowledge of psychologists who are relatively new to this topic – for example, those already working with organisations but not specifically on WHS or psychosocial risk management strategies, as well as those who have an interest or opportunity to work more in this space, with individual clients or organisations. The information provided will enhance the knowldege of designing, developing and implementing workplace interventions, as well as assisting those supporting individual clients who are working through the negative impacts of exposure to psychosocial hazards in their workplace.

Level of Learning

Foundational. This activity is targeted to those new to the topic.

Duration of access

Access to the recording and presenter slides is for 12 months from the date of confirmed registration.

APS CPD-Approved

This activity has been assessed against the APS Standards for CPD activities and approved for its education quality. Learn more about the APS CPD Approval process

CPD Frequently Asked Questions

Refer to the APS CPD Frequently Asked Questions for general and technical information when undertaking APS Professional development activities.

Activity details

On-demand webinar recording

 

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this on-demand activity, participants should be able to:

• recognise current issues and regulatory changes regarding psychosocial risk management,

• identify organisational requirements to protect mental health at work, and

• describe how psychologists can support organisations and employees with psychosocial risk management and prevention of psychological injury.

Presenter(s)

Heather Ikin MAPS

About the presenter(s)

Heather Ikin, Organisational Psychologist and Principal at WorkLife Psychology in Brisbane has over 15 years’ experience delivering interventions and strategies to organisations to foster positive workplaces. Her primary field of expertise is in mental health at work, understanding the dynamics of psychological injury and the range of hazards and risks that lead to poor mental health and other negative business outcomes. Heather has worked with organisations across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. She brings a unique perspective to her work, having a rare combination of experience consulting to business on psychosocial risk management, working within organisations in SME and functional management capacities in OD and employee wellbeing, working for a WHS regulator, and treating work-related psychological injuries.

Further, Heather volunteered with the Australian Psychological Society for over 10 years, most notably appointed as Chair of the APS College of Organisational Psychologists for three years between 2018 and 2021. During her time with the College, Heather provided expertise to a range of consultation processes and advocacy activities, including responses to the Boland Review of the Model WHS Legislation and the Productivity Commission Inquiry on Mental Health. She also sat on the National Mental Health Commission working group that advised on the development of the Blueprint for Mentally Healthy Workplaces, as part of the National Workplace Initiative.