Understanding Psychosocial Risk: A Primer
A quick primer on what psychosocial risk is, why it matters in any workplace, and how prioritising mental well-being benefits both employees and organisations.
Workplace hazards are not always physical. Alongside things like wet floors or faulty equipment, organizations also need to consider psychosocial risks—factors that threaten an individual’s mental health.
Safe Work Australia defines a psychosocial hazard as anything that could cause psychological harm. This could be high workloads, low job control, bullying, or any kind of toxic work environment. When left unchecked, these hazards can lead to burnout, anxiety, or depression. They may also result in higher absenteeism, staff turnover, and workers’ compensation costs.
Employers have a legal obligation to protect staff from physical and psychological harm. But beyond legal duties, there is a strong business case for caring about psychosocial risks. A supportive work culture helps staff feel valued, which can boost morale, productivity, and loyalty.
To learn more, see Safe Work Australia’s Model Code of Practice: Managing psychosocial hazards at work. It outlines why psychosocial risks matter and gives guidance for building a healthier, safer workplace.
Author
Kristina Shields
Kristina Shields is a skilled administrative professional at myosh, a company in the SaaS Safety Technology sector. She manages a variety of roles including hosting HSEQ Webinars and providing sales and operational support. Kristina also serves as Personal Assistant to the CEO, Account Manager, and Database Manager. Her work involves close collaboration with clients to understand their unique industry safety needs, enhancing client relationships and operational efficiency. She is dedicated to integrating innovative safety solutions into their practices, aligning with myosh's goal of making safety a strategic advantage.
