Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work A8: Appendix A: Control exposure to traumatic events or material

Exposure to traumatic events or material covers witnessing or investigating fatalities, serious injury, abuse or neglect, exposure to seriously injured or deceased people, fear or extreme risk, disasters, terrorism or war, supporting victims, listening to or reading accounts of trauma, finding evidence of crimes and exposures that bring up traumatic memories, including vicarious and cumulative exposure. Example controls: design roles so fewer workers attend scenes and schedule tasks to avoid unnecessary exposure; eliminate physical risks that cause traumatic incidents; remove or secure lethal means of self-harm and provide barriers; flag distressing files; reduce, screen and ration exposure to traumatic material and rotate workers; reduce workloads and give breaks after exposure; provide incident procedures and training, exposure reporting systems that prompt supervisor support and review, safe disclosure routes, peer support and counselling; use realistic job previews; monitor worker health and behaviour after events; train supervisors; provide and encourage employee assistance programs.