Claims and risk management provider Gallagher Bassett has launched its second annual campaign in support of Australia’s National Safe Work Month, highlighting the importance of psychological safety and mental health in the workplace.
The campaign, titled The Human Side of Safety, seeks to build open discussions on mental health and wellbeing. Gallagher Bassett said it aims to raise awareness of the human factors behind workplace safety while strengthening mental health support systems.
Emma Hosking, head of government partnerships at Gallagher Bassett Australia, noted that the company has observed a growing trend in mental health-related claims across the nation.
“We have seen a significant increase in the number of mental health claims over the past five years. With this increase, our focus has been on support for employers earlier, at the front end of the wellbeing continuum and ensuring our case managers are equipped with the right skills and knowledge to best support psychological injury claims,” Hosking said.
Gallagher Bassett first launched its Safe Work Month campaign in 2024, which focused on improving awareness of workplace safety. The firm said that, with strong engagement, it has now broadened its focus to include the emotional and psychological aspects of workplace wellbeing.
“The response to last year’s campaign made it abundantly clear that conversations around workplace safety are critical,” Hosking said. “Our aim this year is to take this a step further and encourage an open dialogue around psychological safety, wellbeing, and most importantly, improve help-seeking culture.”
The 2025 campaign features two videos, the first of which documents the experience of a truck driver who suffered a complex psychological injury following an onsite fatality. Through ongoing assistance from his Gallagher Bassett case manager, he was able to recover and return to work.
“I am back at my previous employment, in the construction game. To be honest, I’ve only been able to do it because of my case manager – he lifted me up,” the claimant said.
Hosking noted that empathy plays a critical role in the management of psychological injury claims and emphasised the need for preventative wellness measures.
“Equally as important as our people-first approach to claims management, is preventative wellness,” she said.
“GB has been working with government clients in Tasmania and the Northern Territory to implement proactive health and wellbeing programs, and have so far seen great results. Our programs focus on early detection, empowerment and education around wellbeing literacy, response to risks and promoting an organisational culture that reduces stigma around help-seeking.”
Gallagher Bassett reported that program participants have shown significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and lifestyle severity scores. The company said these outcomes reflect improvements in psychological safety across several workplaces.
What more can be done in workplaces to promote open conversations and support around mental health and well-being? Share your insights in the comments below.
