Psychosocial hazards can lead to both psychological and physical damage. Generally, psychological injuries arising from work-related factors involve lengthier recovery periods, higher costs and increased time off from work. Under the model WHS laws, a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must manage the risk of psychosocial hazards in the workplace.
When effectively managing risks linked to psychosocial hazards, benefits can include:
- safeguard businesses & their employees
- reduce staff turnover and absenteeism
- enhance overall business performance and productivity
- reduced risk of workplace psychosocial injuries and resulting workers compensation claims
- lower resulting workers compensation premiums
So what are psychosocial hazards?
SafeWork Australia identifies psychosocial hazards:
- arise from:
o the design or management of work
o the working environment
o plant/equipment within a workplace or
o workplace interactions or behaviours; and - may cause psychological and physical harm
A psychosocial hazard is therefore anything that could cause psychological harm (e.g. harm someone’s mental health). Common psychosocial hazards at work include:
- job demands
- low job control
- poor support
- lack of role clarity
- poor organisational change management
- inadequate reward and recognition
- poor organisational justice
- traumatic events or material
- remote or isolated work
- poor physical environment
- violence and aggression
- bullying
- harassment, including sexual and gender-based harassment, and
- conflict or poor workplace relationships and interactions
A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, workers and other people are not exposed to risks to their psychological or physical health and safety. A PCBU must eliminate psychosocial risks in the workplace, or if that is not reasonably practicable, minimise these risks so far as is reasonably practicable.
Introduced in 2022, Model Code of Practice: Managing psychosocial hazards at work provides practical guidance to PCBUs on how to manage psychosocial hazards at work.
Managing the risk of psychosocial hazards at work code of practice – toolbox talk
Mental Health Support
The following services can help individuals who are feeling depressed, stressed or anxious:
Do you need help identifying or managing psychosocial hazards and risks in your workplace? Please contact us to discuss.