The attached document entitled Occupational Stress - Hazard Identification and Risk Management Strategy provides a comprehensive and systematic risk management approach to the identification, prevention and management of occupational stress. Its development has been a collaborative exercise between major public sector unions, agencies and the Public Employment Office.

The strategy is underpinned by the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000, the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 and the Workplace Injury Management and Workers Compensation Act 1998.

It also reflects the Premier's Department Policy and Guidelines Taking Safety Seriously: Improving workplace safety management in the NSW public sector (1999) and Taking Safety Seriously: A systematic approach to managing workplace risks in the NSW public sector (2002).

The strategy draws on best practice systems, the expertise of professionals in this field and provides practical guidance and a minimal policy framework for agencies.

I strongly encourage Chief Executive Officers to consider the implications of this strategy and incorporate it accordingly within their agency's Occupational Health and Safety plans. The publication may be downloaded from www.dpc.nsw.gov.au under Publications > Workplace Safety.

C Gellatly
Director-General

Issued : Public Employment Office
Contact: Caroline Davidson
Email: [email protected]
Telephone no: 9228 3563 Facsimile: 9228 3102
File no: PSM/00524
Date: 4 September 2003
This circular has not superseded any other Memorandum/Circular.