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How to manage psychosocial hazards

Updated WHS laws that came into effect on 1 April 2023 requires employers to manage psychosocial hazards under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act). What does this mean for your business?

02 Aug 2023

Catherine Ngo

Content writer, presenter and podcaster

Australian Business Lawyers and Associates recently held a webcast on how to manage psychosocial hazards in the workplace.

What is a psychosocial hazard?

Psychosocial is a very technical term for a common workplace hazard. They are hazards that may cause psychological harm (and sometimes it can be physical) to employees.

The hazards can be caused by factors such as (and not limited to):

High job demand
Remote or isolated work
Bullying and harassment
Low job control and autonomy
Inadequate support
Psychosocial hazards and the appropriate control measures vary between workplaces, depending on job design, work environment, and organisational factors.

What are the legal obligations of employers?

Employers must reasonably:

Ensure workers’ health and safety – including psychological health and safety.
Be proactive to ensure they manage risks by eliminating or minimising them.
Consult with workers on any safety issues.
Provide information, training and instruction to work that is readily understandable.

Associate Alana Rafter says: “The basic rules around health and safety have not changed much. Think of it as the same or similar framework as physical safety regarding potential harm and hazards.

“When it comes to consultation, employers don’t need to reinvent the wheel or set up a new WHS committee. Having regular check-ins about safety should be the culture. Safety is for everyone, and it’s not for the select few.

“For training, it can be face to face or online. The point is to give workers the tools and information, so they can identify a hazard and stay safe at work”.

What are the updated rules?

The changes to the Model WHS Regulations by Safe Work Australia now include psychosocial hazards. From 1 April 2023, the commencement of the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 amendment requires PCBUs to implement control measures for psychosocial risks.

It is important to note that the primary duty remains unchanged in each state and territory. Employers must manage psychological health and safety risks, including psychosocial risks. Once we assess the risks, we apply the hierarchy of controls.

Risk management: an overview

Under the new code and regulations, PCBUs must follow a four-step risk management process to meet their health and safety obligations. A consultation must support each step.

Step 1: Identify hazards

Some common psychosocial hazards in the workplace include high workload, working remotely, low recognition, bullying, low workload, unfair policies, and poor support.

Step 2: Assess risks

Before taking any action to eliminate or minimise psychosocial hazards, you need to assess the seriousness of the risk. This would be evaluating how often workers are exposed to the danger and, if exposed, how serious the harm is.

Step 3: Control risks

Employers must select the most effective control measures as reasonably practicable. Control measures must be fit for purpose and suitable for the duration of work, and it goes without saying they must be set up correctly.

Step 4: Review and control measures

The last step cannot be underestimated. Risk management is an ongoing process which means the control measures must be reviewed and revised as needed. For instance, if a control measure is not working well or a new hazard or risk is identified.

Need more information?

Management of psychosocial hazards presents unique challenges for employers. If you are still unsure about your workplace obligations or would like a review of your risk management framework, we recommend seeking professional and legal advice.

Disclaimer

This article covers advice in a general way, intended for information purposes only, and should not be regarded as legal advice. Further advice specific to your business should be obtained should you require any assistance.