Across all workplaces in WA, workers may be exposed to some sort of psychosocial hazard at work. A psychosocial hazard is anything that can cause psychological harm, such as impacting mental health.
As explained by Safe Work Australia, common psychosocial hazards in the workplace include:
- Lack of support
- Unclear roles
- Poor management
- Inadequate recognition and rewards
- Unfair treatment
- Exposure to traumatic events or materials
- Remote or isolated work
- Poor physical conditions
- Violence and aggression
- Bullying
- Harassment (including sexual and gender-based)
- Conflict or poor workplace relationships
How can psychosocial hazards cause harm?
Psychosocial hazards are likely to lead to stress, causing psychological or physical harm to workers. This includes anxiety, depression, fatigue, PTSD and sleep disorders, as well as musculoskeletal injuries, chronic diseases or fatigue-related injuries
Assessing psychosocial risks:
The following factors must be considered when conducting a risk assessment:
Duration: how long are workers exposed to hazards?
Frequency: how often are they exposed?
Severity: how severe is the hazard?
Managing psychosocial risks:
It is the responsibility of a PCBU (Person Conducting Business or Undertaking) and the Health and Safety Representatives within the company to eliminate psychosocial risks. If this is not possible, all care must be taken to minimise them as much as reasonably practicable.
This can be done through the following risk management process:
- Identify the hazards
- Assess associated risks
- Implement control measures to eliminate / minimise the risks
- Regularly review control measures to ensure they remain effective
Monitoring and reviewing controls:
It is important to review control measures regularly to ensure they are up-to date and effective. These should be changed or reviewed if:
- Risks are not minimised or eliminated as expected
- New risks are introduced
- New hazards are identified
- A Health & Safety Representative requests it
If you or somebody you know experiences psychosocial harm at work, please report it immediately. This can be done through your workplace’s health and safety reporting processes, calling 1800 RESPECT or contacting WorkSafe by calling 1300 307 877.