Psychological Health and Safety

Safe Work Australia defines Psychosocial Hazards as anything that could cause psychological harm to someone.

This could include the following 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
harassment, including sexual harassment, and
conflict or poor workplace relationships and interactions

Psychosocial hazards can combine and increase the overall risk. It is important to consider all hazards employees may face when managing psychosocial risks. As these hazards could cause ongoing stress and harm to the physical and mental health of employees if not identified and managed correctly.

Did you know? According to research from Sentis, 66% of employees rate work as a neutral or negative impact on their lives.

It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure the well-being of workers by safeguarding them from the potential harm caused by work-related stress. As workers may encounter various psychosocial hazards, some of which are persistent while others are irregular, employers should have a comprehensive understanding of these risks and implement effective controls.

Employers should aim to regularly assess psychosocial hazards through the following actions:

Examining work systems and management practices to identify areas that may contribute to stress and hazards.
Engaging in one-on-one discussions with workers to understand their experiences, concerns, and any potential stressors they may be facing.
Analysing past incidents to identify patterns and take proactive measures to prevent their recurrence, thereby minimising the risks associated with psychological health.

By actively monitoring and addressing psychosocial hazards, employers can create a healthier and safe work environment for their employees.

Studies from PwC and the International Labour Organisation have found that creating a mentally healthy workplace had an average ROI of between $2.30 - $5.80 for every dollar invested.

With the new work health and safety laws introduced in Australia, it is essential to consider the impact of psychosocial hazards on lone workers. As per the updated WHS laws, psychosocial hazards can combine and pose ongoing risks to employees if proper controls are not in place.

Working alone exposes individuals to various psychosocial risks, including traumatic events, challenging physical environments, and incidents of violence and aggression. Employers must prioritise the safety and well-being of lone workers by implementing measures to address these hazards and ensure compliance with the WHS regulations.

Introducing a lone worker safety tool, such as WorkSafe Guardian could help relieve psychological pressure or stress an employee may be experiencing due to isolated or dangerous working conditions. The WorkSafe Guardian App includes various features such as a safety and medical alert button and welfare check-ins. An external 24/7 monitoring service manages alerts, ensuring employees have peace of mind knowing that help is available at all times. In the event of an emergency, such as an accident or a failed check-in during a lone working session, the app can help locate the employee and quickly provide assistance.

Encouraging lone workers to use the WorkSafe Guardian App daily allows employees to feel safe and secure in the workplace. Utilising lone worker apps, like the WorkSafe Guardian App, demonstrates a commitment to fulfilling an employer’s duty of care as well as meeting legislation requirements.