From April 1st, 2023, the Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) laws in Australia, specifically the Commonwealth Code of practice: managing psychosocial hazards in the workplace have been updated. This will impact how businesses managing, report and prevent psychosocial hazards in the workplace.

But what exactly are psychosocial hazards? According to Comcare (https://www.comcare.gov.au/safe-healthy-work/prevent-harm/psychosocial-hazards), they are aspects of work that have the potential to cause psychological or physical harm.

Examples of common psychosocial hazards, as identified by Safe Work Australia, include:

• excessive job demands
• low job control
• poor support
• lack of role clarity
• inadequate reward and recognition
• poor organizational change management
• traumatic events or material
• remote or isolated work
• poor physical environment
• violence or aggression
• bullying, harassment (including sexual harassment)
• and conflict or poor workplace relationships and interactions.

While a single psychosocial hazard may not present a risk on its own, it is important to note that such hazards rarely occur in isolation. 

Identifying the psychosocial risks in your workplace and addressing it proactively are not only a legal obligation but can:

• Increase employee productivity. A ComPsych survey found that 37% of employees stated that they lost an hour of productivity a day due to work relates stress.
• Decrease absenteeism. Research by Beyond blue indicates that 1 out of every 5 employees in Australia has taken time off work in the last 12 months due to stress, anxiety, depression etc.
• Improve the physical well-being of the employee.
• Boost employee engagement.
• Reduce turnover. A study by Forbes indicated that 46% of HR leaders believe up to half of their annual turnover can be attributed to burnout.

All businesses operating in Australia and covered by the WHS Act have a legal obligation to manage the risks of psychosocial hazards in the workplace, including those caused by third parties such as clients, visitors, and customers.

These new regulations apply to all businesses and include:

• Employers
• Employees
• Contractors
• sub-contractor
• self-employed individuals
• apprentices and trainees
• work experience students
• volunteers
• and anyone else in the workplace such as customers or visitors.

Failure to comply with these regulations may result in prosecution and fines (https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/laws-and-compliance/compliance-and-enforcement/penalties) , depending on the nature and seriousness of the offense.

To meet this new obligation, businesses are expected to eliminate or minimize psychosocial risks as much as possible. This can be achieved by following a risk management process that includes:

1. identifying hazards
2. assessing risks
3. controlling risks
4. and reviewing control measures to ensure they remain effective.

Overall, it is crucial for businesses to understand the new regulations and take proactive steps to manage psychosocial hazards in the workplace. By doing so, they can create a safe and healthy work environment for their employees and reduce the risk of harm.

Code of practice Managing Psychosocial Hazards – https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/model-code-practice-managing-psychosocial-hazards-work