Understanding Psychosocial Hazards Under Australian WHS Laws

​What Are Psychosocial Hazards?Under Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws, a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) has a legal responsibility to manage the risks associated with psychosocial hazards in the workplace.
Definition of Psychosocial HazardA psychosocial hazard is defined under the law as anything in the workplace that could cause psychological harm. These hazards can have significant effects on the mental health and wellbeing of workers.
Common Psychosocial Hazards

• 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
• Any form of harassment
• Conflict or poor workplace relationships and interactions

The Impact of Psychosocial HazardsSome psychosocial hazards can be subtle, and the person affected may not immediately recognise what is happening. While a certain amount of stress is normal, prolonged exposure to psychosocial hazards can escalate stress levels, potentially leading to psychosocial injury. These injuries can be difficult to detect, and sometimes individuals may be wrongly accused of exaggerating their symptoms. It is important to acknowledge that psychosocial injuries are real and should be treated like any other workplace injury.
Not all hazards will create psychosocial risk on their own, but when combined with other hazards, they may present a significant risk. For example, a worker who is assigned a challenging task without adequate support may be at greater risk of harm.
Psychosocial injuries can be severe, sometimes resulting in a person being unable to work for months or even years. In some cases, the affected individual may not be able to return to their previous role at all.
Legal Duties Under WHS Psychosocial LegislationUnder WHS psychosocial legislation, the PCBU must eliminate or reduce psychosocial risks as far as is practicable. This involves taking proactive steps to identify hazards and implement measures to control them.
There must be policies and procedures in place to address issues or actions that cause psychological injury. These measures are essential for ensuring a safe and healthy workplace and for supporting workers’ mental health.