A psychosocial risk assessment is a structured process to identify, analyse and control workplace factors such as high workloads, bullying or poor support that can cause mental or physical harm. It is a proactive, often legal, requirement to ensure a safe work environment by evaluating how, and to what extent, these hazards affect employee health. Managing the risk of psychosocial hazards at work in Australia involves:
• identifying psychosocial hazards – find out what could cause harm
• assessing risks – understand the nature of the harm that could be caused by hazards, how serious the harm could be and the likelihood of harm occurring
• controlling risks – implement the most effective control measures that are reasonably practicable in the circumstance, and
• reviewing control measures to ensure they remain effective.
Main Psychosocial Risk Assessment Tools in Australia currently include:
Go to: https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0027/19476/psychosocial-risk-assessment.pdf
Go to: https://www.healthyworkplaces.sa.gov.au/step-by-step-guide/healthy-workplace-toolkit
Go to: https://www.nsw.gov.au/employment/mental-health-at-work
Go to: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/psychosocial-risk-assessment-tools
Work Health and Safety (Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work) Code of Practice 2024
Go to: https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2024L01380/latest/text
