Browsing: Psychosocial issues | Page 130

The Fair Work Commission has slammed a major employer for sacking a worker for "serious misconduct" that occurred after he was diagnosed with "acute stress reaction".

Emotional issues arising outside of work can have a major impact on mental health in the workplace, so employers should create an environment where workers feel comfortable seeking help for them, according to a counselling and training specialist.

A former Commonwealth employee's 20-year battle for bullying-related workers' compensation has hit another stumbling block, with the Federal Court rejecting her claim that her return-to-work plan was closed illegally in 1993.

A worker's stress injury is compensable because it arose from an unreasonable "surprise attack" performance meeting, a judge has confirmed in rejecting an employer's appeal.

The Fair Work Commission has rejected an ill worker's bid for stop-bullying orders, but warned that her employer and general manager's "vigorous" response to her application - including their unfounded claim that she was an "extremely difficult employee" - could jeopardise her return-to-work prospects.

Rules for safety plans and high-risk work change in Victoria; and NSW Labor promises to push for anti-bullying laws.

An employer has nearly halved its psychological injury rate, after it refined its peer support program to make it more proactive, according to a manager.

New work drug testing rules start in Victoria next week; and Transport and postal sector accounts for 50% of worker deaths.

The parliamentary committee inquiry into WorkCover NSW's longstanding culture of bullying and "cover up" has called for the introduction of special anti-bullying legislation to bridge the gap left by the WHS and Fair Work Acts.

A worker who claimed he was sacked because he complained of workplace bullying, took sick leave for a work-related injury, and made safety complaints to WorkCover NSW, has had his adverse action claim rejected in the Federal Circuit Court.