Psychosocial Health and Safety Meaningful and safe work is good for people’s mental health and wellbeing. It provides structure and purpose, a sense of identity and opportunities to develop skills and increased feelings of self-worth. However, there are some circumstances where work has undesirable impacts on health and wellbeing. Managing the risks associated with psychosocial hazards not only protects workers, but it also decreases the disruption associated with staff turnover and absenteeism, and may improve broader organisational performance and productivity. Recognising and managing risks in the workplace that may lead to physical or psychological injury is an essential part of work health and safety (WHS) and a legal responsibility for employers. Specifically, employers are responsible for managing hazards and risks and to create a safe, healthy and productive workplace. Changes to WHS Regulations are being rolled out across the country to protect employees’ psychosocial health. Organisations need to be aware of the changes and understand their duties under the WHS Regulations.
Reference. SWA, Managing psychosocial hazards at work, 2022; Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 2022
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What are psychosocial risks? A psychosocial risk is a risk to the health or safety of a worker or other person arising from a psychosocial hazard. Psychosocial hazards are aspects of work that may cause a stress response which in turn can lead to psychological or physical harm. A hazard arises from or is related to:
The design or management of work
A work environment
Plant at a workplace
Workplace interactions or behaviours
What is the change and how will it impact our organisation? The WHS Amendment Regulation 2022 details employers’ duties to eliminate psychosocial risks or to minimise the risks so far as is reasonably practicable. Penalties apply for employers who do not comply– penalties differ by state and offence.
We’re here to help. T 1300 135 600 (AU) / 0800 452 521 (NZ)
E intake@drakewellbeinghub.com.au
A Level 3/388 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
W www.drakewellbeinghub.com.au
When do the changes come into effect? • • • •
NSW – commenced 1 Oct 2022 VIC – released 1 July 2022, currently in review. Expected to come into operation early 2023 QLD – will commence 1 April 2023 Other States and Territories expected to follow suit
How to manage psychosocial hazards and risks and create a safe, healthy and productive workplace? Safe Work Australia recommends following the same four step risk management process you use to manage physical hazards to manage psychosocial hazards. All these steps must be supported by consultation with your workers. These steps include: • • • •
Identifying psychosocial hazards and risks; Assess the type and frequency and severity of psychosocial hazards and risks; Develop prevention plans and implement control measures to eliminate or minimise the risk; and Review control measures to ensure they remain effective.
Need help interpreting and operationalising the WHS Amendment Regulations on managing psychosocial risks? Drake WellbeingHub offers clear guidance and evidence-informed resources to assist employers to create a mentally healthy workplace and meet their duties under the WHS Regulations. We’re poised to support you and help your employees thrive.
Find out more by contacting our team on 1300 135 600 or email to sales@drakewellbeinghub.com.au
We’re here to help. T 1300 135 600 (AU) / 0800 452 521 (NZ)
E intake@drakewellbeinghub.com.au
A Level 3/388 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
W www.drakewellbeinghub.com.au