Strategies for occupational mental health protection

This article broadly describes the principles of protecting mental health, and the evidence supporting these principles. It considers current occupational health variables for mental health, and whether they are valid, for example, the nature of the organisation, concepts of "job stress", and psychological injury. The article presents a framework for occupational mental health protection which addresses: leadership; organisational structure; organisational culture; the prevention and management of job stress; and strategies to deal with psychological injury. This framework aims to enhance mental health at all levels of the workforce. There is increasing recognition that the workplace is an environment in which mental health problems may arise, due to internal and external factors. With the development of effective OHS legislation and strategies worldwide, it is appropriate to identify the core elements as Occupational Mental Health and Safety.