How to Manage Workplace Psychosocial Hazards

One year has swiftly passed since the implementation of federal legislation, mandating employers to address psychosocial hazards under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.

While you may not consider yourself a mental health expert, as an employer, people manager, or leader, it's necessary to handle psychosocial risks with the same diligence as physical health and safety risks.

Identifying and mitigating psychosocial hazards is paramount. Here are some common hazards:

• high and/or low job demands

• low job control

• poor support

• low role clarity

• poor organisational change management

• low reward and recognition

• poor organisational justice

• poor workplace relationships including interpersonal conflict

• remote or isolated work

• poor environmental conditions

• traumatic events

• violence and aggression

• bullying

• harassment including sexual harassment.

Understanding and managing these factors not only fosters a healthier work environment but also ensures compliance with legislative requirements and promotes the overall well-being of employees.

How to ensure all your people leaders can manage psychosocial hazards effectively

Effective Workplace Solutions has a 45-minute training program called Workplace Psychosocial Hazards Training that provides leaders and managers insight into the implications of psychosocial hazards in the workplace and the legal requirements to manage them.

Participants in the training session learn:

• The definition of psychosocial hazards

• Overview of the framework

• Examples of hazards

• Practical steps to manage and mitigate psychosocial hazards as an organisation

• How to address complaints

• Practical applications of the framework in the workplace

Find out more about the training.

Four tips on managing psychosocial hazards in the workplace

Watch this 30-second video for tips on how to identify and manage psychosocial hazards at work.