Do you really know what psychosocial safety means?
We’ve been focusing on assisting clients to understand their foundational responsibilities recently here at PPS. Workplace health and safety remains a core part of ethical and legislative obligations with mental health, paving a stronger path to a wholistic well-being approach to safety.
Every business, regardless of its size, has a duty under the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act to ensure the health and safety of workers, so far as is reasonably practicable.
But let’s break this down—what does that really mean when it comes to mental health?
What Are Psychosocial Hazards?
A psychosocial hazard is anything in the workplace that could cause psychological harm. These hazards can stem from:
The risk assessment figures out how likely it is that a hazard will cause harm, and the potential severity of that harm.
Your Obligations—And Where ‘Reasonably Practicable’ Comes In
Employers must take reasonable steps to eliminate or minimise the risk of psychosocial hazards causing harm to employees.
This means:
– Identifying hazards and assessing risks in your workplace
– Implementing measures to control those risks
– Regularly reviewing and adapting your approach
However, the law recognises that not every hazard can be fully eliminated—what matters is taking practical and proportionate action based on the level of risk and available resources.
Your Workers Have Obligations Too
Workplace safety is a shared responsibility. Workers must:
– Take reasonable care of their own health and safety
– Follow workplace policies and procedures
– Report hazards, risks, and concerns to management
Ignoring psychosocial hazards can lead to increased absenteeism, turnover, and even legal consequences – we’ve put together some key safety statistics to show you why psychosocial health must be a priority for workplaces:
Need more support in navigating and prioritising psychosocial health and safety in your workplace? Book a call with us #wevegotyourback
