Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L01380:reg:1:p1
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L01380
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 1 (pt 1/8)
Character Range: 7381–11273

1                    Introduction

Psychosocial hazards can cause psychological and physical harm. On average, work-related psychological injuries have longer recovery times, higher costs, and require more time away from work. Managing the risks associated with psychosocial hazards not only protects workers, it also decreases the disruption associated with staff turnover and absenteeism, and may improve broader organisational performance and productivity.

1.1                         Psychosocial hazards at work

The WHS Act defines 'health' as both physical and psychological health. This means that where the WHS Act imposes a duty in relation to 'health', PCBUs must manage risks to both physical and psychological health, so far as is reasonably practicable.

Psychosocial hazards are hazards that:

a) arise from or relate to:
          1.             the design or management of work
          2.             the working environment
          3.             plant[1] at a workplace, or
          4.             workplace interactions or behaviours; and
    b) may cause psychological and physical harm (whether or not it may also cause physical harm)[2].

Psychosocial hazards and the appropriate control measures may vary between workplaces and between groups of workers, depending on the work environment, organisational context and the nature of work.

Workers are likely to be exposed to a combination of psychosocial hazards, some hazards may always be present, while others only occasionally. Common psychological hazards that arise from, or are related to, work may include:

                                               * Job demands                                  * Remote or isolated work
                                               * Job insecurity                               * Intrusive surveillance
                                               * Low job control                              * Poor physical environment
                                               * Fatigue                                      * Violence and aggression
Psychosocial hazards that arise at work        * Poor support                                 * Bullying
                                               * Lack of role clarity                         * Harassment including sexual harassment
                                               * Poor organisational change management        * Conflict or poor workplace relationships and interactions
                                               * Inadequate award recognition
                                               * Poor organisational justice
                                               * Traumatic events or material

A ppendix A Job characteristics, design and management and A ppendix B Harmful behaviours provide further guidance and examples for each hazard.

Workers from diverse backgrounds may be exposed to different psychosocial hazards. For example, women, young workers, those from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers, LGBTQI workers and workers with disability are more likely to experience workplace sexual harassment and should be provided with the opportunity to participate in these consultations (which may take different forms), along with all workers who are likely to be directly affected.

Psychological harm or injuries from psychosocial hazards include conditions such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and sleep disorders.

Physical injuries from psychosocial hazards include musculoskeletal injury, chronic disease, and physical injury following fatigue related workplace incidents.

1.2                         Work health and safety duties

Person conducting a business or undertaking

A PCBU must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, workers and other persons