ContactOverview (why does this project matter?)
Psychosocial and musculoskeletal injuries are more complex, slower and costly to investigate and treat. Workers suffering from these injuries are more likely to leave the workforce permanently, experience social isolation, suffer from poor mental health, consume health resources and, in some tragic cases, commit suicide.
Musculoskeletal injuries comprise the largest percentage of workplace injuries reported across Tasmania (51%), while psychosocial injuries account for the largest loss in productivity (35.3 days on average) and have more than doubled since 2021. Evidence shows that there is a strong correlation between musculoskeletal injuries and secondary psychosocial injuries, and vice versa. The existence of this relationship identifies an emerging risk within workforces across Tasmania.
When physical injuries are compounded by psychological distress, recovery becomes longer, more costly, and more complex. If not managed effectively, workers are at greater risk of sustaining a secondary injury.
What is a secondary injury?
Secondary injury encompasses the complications or conditions that develop as a consequence of an initial (primary) injury.
Workers experiencing psychosocial and musculoskeletal injuries are more likely to leave the workforce permanently, experience social isolation, and experience poor mental health including anxiety, depression and, in some cases, die by suicide.
Introduction to the PAM Project:
Led by the WorkSafe Tasmania’s Projects Team, this initiative is grounded in current Tasmanian and national workplace injury data and draws on insights gathered through staff consultation and research.
The purpose of the PAM Project is to enhance WorkSafe’s capacity to reduce the frequency and severity of injury and improve return to work outcomes.
The objectives of the project are:
- to understand the link between psychosocial and musculoskeletal injuries and the associated mitigation of risks
- to develop and implement a strategy and an action plan that directs effort to improve WorkSafe's capability to guide workplaces to integrate best practice and prevent secondary injuries.
What will we be delivering as a part of the PAM Project?
We will be developing evidence-based, tailored resources for staff, including:
- A Strategy and Action Plan
- Resources and supplementary materials for internal work health and safety
- A curated suite of relevant online resources to support WorkSafe Tasmania staff
- Information guides for industry
- Promotional materials for industry
- Online resource suite for industry
- A review of current Workers’ Compensation certificate to identify opportunities to enhance data collation related to secondary injuries
Ultimately, the creation of this resource suite will:
- Increase awareness of injury complexity
- Support better recovery outcomes
What is next?
Our resources are currently in development and will be launching in August 2026. Stay tuned for updates by following WorkSafe Tasmania on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram.