Understanding psychosocial hazards
Workplace hazards that may cause harm to psychological (mental) health are called psychosocial hazards. They can cause both psychological and physical harm.
Part of the Identify and manage mental health risk module.
Causes of psychosocial hazards
Psychosocial hazards can come from:
- the design or management of work
- a work environment
- plant at a workplace (the tools or equipment used), or
- workplace interactions or behaviours.
Examples of psychosocial hazards
Workers are likely to encounter many psychosocial hazards. Some may always be present; others may occur occasionally. The impact of psychosocial hazards may come from direct exposure, or seeing others exposed to these hazards. The impacts of exposure to these hazards may build over time, or may be worse when a combination of psychosocial hazards occur together.
Some examples of common psychosocial hazards include:
- 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
- Harassment (including sexual harassment)
- Conflict or poor workplace relationships and interactions.
Further information on these hazards is available on Safe Work Australia’s website.
This summary was adapted from content created by Safe Work Australia with permission.