Mock court: highlights psychosocial risk

The event, organised by icare, Ashurst Risk Advisory, and the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), immersed senior DCJ executives in a realistic court room prosecution that centred on psychosocial risk. The event highlighted the critical importance of prioritising employee mental health and wellbeing.

"Experiential approaches to learning, like the WHS mock court, really make you stop and think about how you can do better. Feeling uncomfortable is often a great catalyst for positive change," one attendee said.

The mock court, a simulated learning experience, mirrored similar initiatives that icare collaborated with NSW Health on last year. However, this event was specifically tailored to align with DCJ's unique operational context.

Psychosocial hazards, often less visible than physical risks, can have a profound impact on employees' mental health and well-being. These hazards can arise from various factors, including excessive workloads, unclear job roles, and lack of support.

The mock court provided participants with an experiential understanding of the real-world legal and ethical implications of workplace stress, bullying, and harassment.

"We are committed to working with organisations like DCJ to continue building effective, proactive approaches to risk prevention," said Tarun Chaffey, Prevention Specialist, icare NSW.

"It is not good enough to expect workers to become better at dealing with stressors in the workplace. It is about how we fix the work. By addressing psychosocial risks, we can help prevent mental health issues, reduce absenteeism, and boost employee morale," he added.

icare's involvement in the mock court underscores its dedication to promoting workplace safety and well-being. By sharing knowledge and best practices, icare empowers organisations to create a safer, fairer, and more sustainable workplaces.

The mock court situation emphasises the need for organisations to consider the broader impact of their policies on employees' mental health.

To create a psychosocially safe workplace, organisations must take a proactive stance, addressing psychosocial hazards through workplace design, management practices, and employee interaction.