Psychosocial hazards in the workplace are elements of work and scenarios that may induce stress, potentially leading to psychological or physical harm. These hazards are linked to the organisation of work, social aspects at work, and the work environment, including equipment and hazardous tasks.
Psychosocial risk involves the likelihood of these types of hazards to cause several types of effects on individual health and safety and well-being and on organisational performance and sustainability.
It is important that psychosocial risks are managed in a manner consistent with other WHS risks, through an WHS management system, and integrated into the organisation’s broader business processes.
Psychosocial risks can have a negative or, where managed, a positive impact:
- Poor health and associated conditions,
- Cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, diabetes, anxiety,
- depression, sleep disorders, and associated health behaviours,
- Substance abuse, unhealthy eating, and
- Reduction in job satisfaction, commitment, and productivity.
Potential negative outcomes (impact) for the organisation:
- Includes increased costs due to absence from work,
- High employee turnover,
- Reduced turnover or service quality,
- Increased recruitment and retraining expenses,
- Workplace investigations and litigation, and
- Harm to the organisation’s reputation.
Positive outcomes for worker and organisation:
- Enhanced job satisfaction,
- Improved worker engagement,
- Increased productivity,
- Increased innovation, and
- Achievable organisational longevity.
The Psychosocial Health And Safety In The Workplace course aligns with ISO 45003:2021 Psychological health and safety at work and uses ISO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems to assist in developing a management system approach.
