How to identify and manage psychosocial hazards is everyone’s business

There is an escalating trend of compensation claims related to work-related psychosocial hazards. The significant tally of serious mental health conditions claims during 2021-22 led to the loss of a staggering 584,029 work weeks.

With Week 2 of National Safe Work Month coinciding with World Mental Health Day on October 10, we will delve into understanding the intricacies of psychosocial hazards at work and managing associated risks.

Psychosocial hazards refer to any elements within the workplace that could potentially lead to psychological harm, but can also result in physical damage. These hazards are typically borne out of factors such as:

  • Work design or management,
  • The work environment,
  • Machinery or equipment utilised in the workspace, or
  • Interactions and behaviours within the workplace.

It is incumbent upon employers and organisations to eliminate or mitigate psychosocial risks as much as is feasibly possible. This should evoke the application of the identical risk management process utilised for managing physical hazards made in collaboration with workers.

Having reliable work safety products, like a Bluesafe WHS Management System or SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement), can be instrumental in managing these risks effectively. These systems help in identifying work-related hazards, assessing their impacts, and implementing strategies to control them.

Our social media platforms from Safe Work Australia will serve as kernels of knowledge this week on the subject of managing psychosocial hazards in the workplace.

Further resources include:

  • Model Code of Practice – Managing psychosocial hazards at work,
  • Model Code of Practice – Sexual and gender-based harassment, and
  • The People at Work tool

Emphasise the importance of prioritising safety in the workplace, equip your organisation with quality WHS management systems and policies like Bluesafe’s solutions, and cultivate a safer, healthier work environment for your workforce.


Original article link: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/media-centre/news/how-identify-and-manage-psychosocial-hazards-everyones-business

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