765 Managing Workplace Stress

Early Intervention

Ideally, early intervention means assisting an employee before symptoms develop into an injury. However, this may not be possible as employees may not report their symptoms to their employer before an injury develops. In this case, as soon as the employer is made aware of the injury, an early intervention program should be commenced, where appropriate.

Below are seven key elements to early intervention for preventing psychological injury:

1. Develop procedures for early intervention on how to support employees exhibiting early warning signs. The policy or guidelines should state that support is provided regardless of whether the employee has submitted a Workers' Compensation claim, or whether their claim has been accepted.
2. Provide training and information to line managers on the early warning signs, and how to respond appropriately.
3. Ensure early contact is made with the employee to offer assistance.
4. Engage early and expert assessment to identify employee needs.
5. Ensure the employee and supervisor are involved in developing an agreed plan to enable the employee to remain at work or return to work.
6. Establish employee access to effective medical treatment and evidence-based therapeutic interventions if there is a psychological condition.
7. Provide flexible workplace solutions to support the individual at work.

Continued Support

Managers should continue to follow up with employees who have reported an injury to ensure their safety and health, and provide support. Additional counseling may be required on an on-going basis for the employee.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.