PEAK SAFETY BODY WARNS URGENT NEED FOR PSYCHOSOCIAL SAFETY THIS WORKERS’ MEMORIAL DAY

Date: 28/04/26

On Workers’ Memorial Day and World Day for Safety and Health at Work (28 April) Australians are being asked to remember those who have lost their lives on the job and be aware of psychosocial risks as well as physical hazards in the workplace.

The Australian Institute of Health and Safety (AIHS) said this year’s theme of Fighting Psychosocial Hazards at Work highlights the impact on mental health, emotional wellbeing, and social function.

AIHS Chair Celia Antonovsky said psychosocial safety must be treated with the same urgency as physical hazards.

“Traditionally we think about people being injured at work through falling from heights, being hit by moving vehicles, and lifting heavy objects but now we’re starting to recognise the impact of psychosocial hazards on workers. 

“Safe Work Australia has identified up to 22 psychosocial hazards that stem from workplace culture and work design to prevention of bullying, violence, and harassment,” she said. 

“It is a powerful reminder that workplace safety is not just about what we can see, and if left unaddressed, can have devastating consequences.”
 
In 2024, more than 11,700 serious workers’ compensation claims were directly linked to mental health conditions. 

Ms Antonovsky said workers on the frontline are most impacted.

“We’re seeing clear trends in sectors like healthcare and public services where workers are under constant pressure and often exposed to emotionally demanding environments,” she said.

“Creating safer workplaces means building environments where people feel supported and safe to speak up,” Ms Antonovsky said.

“Workplaces should focus on strengthening communication, involving workers in decision-making, building social support systems, and implementing collective risk assessment and control measures.”

“Every worker deserves to go to work and come home safely, not just physically but mentally as well. Until we treat psychosocial hazards with the same urgency, we won’t see the change that’s needed,” she said.

Safe Work Australia has recorded 30 workplace fatalities so far in 2026 (as at April 2026), and 180 deaths in 2025. On average, (2021-26) almost 200 Australian workers lost their lives each year on the job.

“Today is about honouring those who have lost their lives and remembering the families, friends, and colleagues who carry the loss every day,” Ms Antonovsky said.

“These are the people who care for our communities, keep our systems running and support others, yet they are often the most affected psychologically in their own workplaces.”

Ms Antonovsky said psychosocial risks must be managed with the same rigour as physical hazards, requiring organisation-wide action.