Early identification and recording of secondary mental injuries or illness supports workers getting help sooner. This early intervention has been shown to improve recovery and claim outcomes.
What is a secondary mental injury?
A secondary mental injury is a mental health condition that arises as a direct result of the event which caused a physical injury, or because of that physical injury. It may arise from trauma associated with how the injury occurred, such as an assault, or stem from difficulty coping with a physical injury.
These injuries can be complex, often leading to longer claim durations, higher costs, and poorer return-to-work outcomes than physical or primary mental injuries.
WorkCover's obligations as an insurer
Under the Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003, insurers must take all reasonable steps to minimise the risk of a worker with a physical injury developing a secondary psychological injury. This includes providing reasonable services such as medical treatment, counselling, and support services. These obligations apply from the moment a claim is accepted until the worker's entitlement to compensation ends. Insurers must also cover necessary and reasonable travel and treatment costs.
The Act also requires insurers to take reasonable steps to offer early psychological support services to workers with a valid application for a psychological or psychiatric injury. This is available while a decision on the claim is being made.
How are secondary mental injury risks identified?
Tools like the OREBRO questionnaire help WorkCover to identify psychosocial risks early. This supports timely access to treatment and may reduce the likelihood of a mental injury developing. Importantly, increased reporting doesn't mean new injuries are being created; it means we're getting smarter about identifying existing issues.
Myth: If you don't mention it, it will go away
There's a common misconception that talking about mental health causes harm or encourages new injuries. In reality, open dialogue helps workers receive care sooner and can reduce the impact and duration of a secondary mental injury if it is to develop.
By fostering transparency and collaboration among employers, workers, WorkCover, and treating medical and allied health practitioners, we can respond more effectively to change and better support recovery.
What can employers do to help prevent secondary mental injuries?
Evidence shows that the employer's response is often the most significant factor in whether a worker develops a secondary mental injury. A proactive, empathetic approach can make all the difference. With more data available, we can tailor interventions and monitor outcomes more effectively.
Our Supervisor Quick Reference Guide highlights the key actions and resources that employers can use to support their injured worker through the claims process.
Better reporting and early intervention means we're seeing the full picture and taking action sooner. By recognising and addressing psychosocial risks early, we're improving outcomes for workers and building healthier, more resilient workplaces.
