Mental health conditions accounted for 9% of all serious workers’ compensation claims in 2020-21, a 55.6% increase since 2016-17. On average, work-related psychological injuries have longer recovery times, higher costs and require more time away from work. Managing psychosocial hazards at work not only protects workers, it also benefits businesses by improving organisational performance and productivity.
Psychosocial hazards are those that can cause harm through creating stress. While stress itself is not an injury, if it becomes frequent, prolonged or severe, stress can cause psychological and physical harm. Thes may include:
· 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
· Conflict or poor workplace relationships and interactions.
Psychological harm or injuries from psychosocial hazards include conditions such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and sleep disorders. Psychosocial hazards can also lead to physical injuries, including musculoskeletal injury, chronic disease and injury following fatigue-related workplace incidents.
As with any health and safety risk at work employers have a primary duty to eliminate or minimise psychosocial risks so far as is reasonably practicable. It’s important to consult with workers who may be directly affected by particular psychosocial hazards and in doing so suggesting they speak with an EAP Assist counsellor.
Managing Psychosocial Hazards
