Psychosocial Safety & Employer Obligations

Psychosocial safety is a term used to describe the protection of individuals from psychological harm and social stressors in their environment, particularly in workplaces, schools, and other social settings. It involves creating conditions where people feel safe, respected, and supported.

A workplace that fosters psychological safety ensures that workers do not experience undue mental distress due to their environment. The workplace culture encourages open communication, trust, and support. It also promotes respect, inclusion, and fairness. This type of workplace prevents occupational burnout by balancing demands and resources, builds strong relationships and facilitates collaboration. The climate of a psychologically safe workplace prioritises employees' psychological health, which can improve productivity, engagement, and overall well-being.

In Australia, psychosocial safety in the workplace is governed by comprehensive Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation that mandates employers to manage risks associated with psychosocial hazards. Psychosocial hazards include factors like excessive workload, bullying, harassment, and exposure to traumatic events, which can adversely affect employees' mental health and well-being.

Under the model WHS laws, people in business are required to eliminate psychosocial risks, or if that's not reasonably practicable, minimise them as much as possible. The model WHS Regulations specify that people in business must consider all relevant factors when determining appropriate control measures.

People in business are obligated to:

• Identify Psychosocial Hazards: Recognise factors that could pose risks to psychological health.
• Assess Risks: Evaluate the potential impact of identified hazards.
• Implement Control Measures: Apply strategies to eliminate or minimise risks, such as developing clear policies, providing training, and fostering a supportive workplace culture.
• Monitor and Review: Continuously assess the effectiveness of control measures and make necessary adjustments.

Non-compliance with these obligations can lead to significant legal consequences, including substantial fines and, in severe cases, imprisonment.

Evidence of psychosocial hazards include:

• Work-related stress
• Bullying, harassment, or violence
• Unrealistic workloads
• Poor work-life balance
• Lack of job control or autonomy
• Interpersonal conflicts
• Job insecurity
• Long or irregular work hours

For detailed guidance, employers and employees can refer to resources provided by Safe Work Australia and their respective state or territory WHS authorities. The Safe Work Australia Code of Practice regarding Psychosocial Hazards can be found here.