14/12/2025
“What are psychosocial hazards?” I hear this question from business owners and leaders more often than you would think and it is important that people know and understand them.
Psychosocial hazards are not a soft issue, they are a work health and safety obligation and, if unmanaged, they can cause real harm to people and to your business. Psychosocial hazards create stress on both the mind and the body. Now there are healthy stresses which are short-term pressure that helps us perform. But unhealthy stress is different.
When stress is ongoing or frequent, the body remains in a heightened state and this can really impact our nervous system. What happens is our body releases adrenaline and cortisol, which increasing heart rate, and over time this can lead to psychological injuries, burnout, and physical health issues.
According to Safe Work Australia, a psychosocial hazard is anything that could cause psychological harm, including harm to mental health. These hazards often arise from the design or management of work, the work environment and workplace interactions and behaviours.
Some of the most common psychosocial hazards I see in workplaces include:
• excessive job demands
• low job control
• poor leadership or support
• lack of role clarity
• poor organisational change management
• inadequate reward and recognition
• poor organisational justice
• exposure to traumatic events or material
• remote or isolated work
• poor physical environments
• violence or aggression
• bullying
• harassment including sexual and gender-based harassment
• ongoing conflict or poor workplace relationships
Under the WHS Act and Regulations, employers have a primary duty of care to identify, assess, and manage psychosocial risks and just like any other safety risk.
What can you do today?
1. Conduct a psychosocial risk assessment
2. Identify hazards early
3. Assess the duration, frequency, and impact on your people
4. Review how work is designed, organised, and managed
5. Take action to eliminate or minimise risks so far as reasonably practicable.
This is not about ticking a box. It’s about protecting your people, reducing risk, and building a healthier, more sustainable workplace. The statistics for increased workers compensation claims due to mental health within the workplace is raising and together we need to take proactive steps.
Interested in a psychosocial hazards training session or a refresher face-to-face or online for your leaders or team in the new year? Reach out to the Kelly to discuss practical, compliant training tailored to your business.
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