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Preventing psychological harm

Psychological injury claims generally have longer recovery times, higher costs, and more time away from work, compared to physical injury claims. As part of creating a mentally healthy workplace, it is important that employers take steps to prevent psychological injury in their workplace. It is also a legislative requirement under the Work Health Safety Act 2012- external site- external site- external site- external site- external site- external site- external site- external site- external site- external site- external site- external site- external site- external site a and WHS Regulations 2012 to manage psychosocial hazards and work.

Managing psychosocial hazards and risks

Online Module:

Developed in partnership with SafeWork SA- external site- external site- external site- external site- external site- external site- external site- external site- external site, this module equips you with practical tools to identify and manage psychosocial hazards at work such as high workloads, poor role clarity, and exposure to bullying.

After you complete this module, you will:

  • Understand psychosocial hazards and their impacts.
  • Learn a four-step approach to psychosocial risk management.
  • Access free tools and resources to create a safer workplace.

Whether you’re a manager, business owner, or safety representative, this course will provide invaluable insights to foster a healthier, more productive work environment.
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Understanding psychosocial hazards and risks in the workplace

Psychosocial hazards are hazards that may cause psychological harm within workplaces (they may also cause physical harm). Psychosocial hazards can create stress. Stress is the body’s reaction when a worker perceives the demands of their work exceed their ability or resources to cope. Stress itself is not an injury but if it becomes frequent, prolonged or severe it can cause psychological and physical harm.

Psychosocial hazards and the appropriate control measures may vary between workplaces and between groups of workers, depending on the work environment, organisational context and the nature of work.

Psychosocial hazards can arise from or in relation to:

  • workplace interactions and behaviours;
  • the design or management of work;
  • the working environment; or
  • plant at the workplace.

Psychosocial hazards that may arise at work

Job demands

Traumatic events or material

Low Job control

Remote or isolated work

Poor support

Poor physical environment

Lack of role clarity

Violence and aggression

Poor organisational change management

Bullying

Inadequate reward and recognition

Harassment including sexual harassment

Poor organisational justice

Conflict or poor workplace relationships and interactions

FatigueIntrusive surveillance
Insecure work 

The WHS regulations are supported by Safe Work Australia's Model Code of Practice: Managing psychosocial hazards at work- external site- external site- external site- external site- external site- external site- external site- external site- external site- external site- external site- external site- external site- external site which provides practical guidance to workplaces on the psychosocial risk management and the consultation process.

Tools and resources

There are free tools and resources available for small, medium and large businesses to assist in the management of psychosocial hazards and risks.

Industry specific resources

Health Care and Social Assistance

ReturnToWorkSA acknowledges that the Health Care and Social Assistance (HCSA) Sector is a dedicated, diverse and essential workforce whose roles are central to the wellbeing of South Australians. However, due to the nature of the work, HCSA workers face higher risks of injury and illness, including psychological injuries.

To assist the sector in addressing psychosocial hazards and preventing psychological harm, ReturnToWorkSA has created a guide that provides easy-to-use resources including a self-assessment tool and a workplace conversation guide. These practical tools, for both small and medium to large businesses are designed to help your workplace take immediate steps toward creating a safe and healthier workplace.

Small Business (20 or less staff)

Medium to Large Business (20 or more staff)

For more information on the steps that you can take to create a mentally healthy workplace- external site- external site- external site- external site- external site- external site- external site- external site- external site- external site- external site- external site- external site- external site, contact mentallyhealthy@rtwsa.com.

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