In this session Dr Fitzgerald will briefly explore the most recent WorkSafe data on psychosocial risk exposure and present a framework for integrating ‘wise leadership’ with positive work culture and worker engagement as an approach to mitigating risks and preventing psychological harm.

Ten years ago we had limited New Zealand data about exposure to psychosocial risk and offensive behaviours at work. This has changed and we now have a plethora of data indicating how widely these hazards are distributed, and how often our workers are being harmed. Although businesses have a legal obligation to keep every worker safe and healthy as far as is practicably possible, the solution to the challenge of psychosocial risk exposure is not on a case-by-case basis. Robust and sustainable solutions on the scale required will require that we focus on Leadership, the Culture of Work, and meaningful Worker Participation.

John.Fitzgerald@worksafe.govt.nz
021 825 660