We all play a role

We know that there is increasing awareness and knowledge in workplaces and the community about psychosocial hazards, and the negative impacts they can have on the health and safety of employees.

Work-related psychological injuries continue to grow and it’s crucial that at this time we set the foundations to ensure we can manage and respond to psychosocial hazards in the workplace in the most effective way possible. 

What are psychosocial hazards?

Psychosocial hazard means any factor or factors in any of the following; work design, systems of work, management of work, carrying out of the work, and personal or work-related interactions, that may arise in the working environment and may cause an employee to experience one or more negative psychological responses that create a risk to their health or safety.

Negative psychological responses (cognitive, emotional, and behavioural, and associated physiological processes) caused by exposure to psychosocial hazards can lead to psychological or physical harm or injury.

Employer obligations

Employers must so far as is reasonably practicable, provide and maintain for their employees a working environment that is safe and without risks to health. <OHS Act s21> The definition of ‘health’ under the OHS Act includes ‘psychological health’, therefore any reference to OHS obligations in relation to the health of employees extends to their psychological health.