Psychosocial hazards

As clinical psychologists we understand how psychosocial workplace hazards can negatively impact individuals, teams and organisations if left unaddressed. A psychosocial hazard is anything that could cause psychological harm (i.e. harm someone’s mental health).

Psychological harm can present as high levels of prolonged stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, sleep problems, aggression, irritability, panic, isolation, and withdrawal. Psychosocial hazards can also interact and combine. This can increase the risk of a psychological injury.

Work related psychological injuries generally involve longer recovery periods, greater financial costs and extended absences from work compared to other types of injuries.

The first step to managing psychosocial workplace hazards effectively is to have a clear understanding of what a psychosocial hazard is, how to identify if it is present, its impact, and how to respond to reduce the potential risk of harm to your people.

Common psychosocial workplace hazards

  • Job demands

  • Low job control

  • Poor support

  • Lack of role clarity

  • Poor organisational change management

  • Inadequate reward and recognition

  • Poor organisational justice

  • Traumatic events or material

  • Remote or isolate work

  • Poor physical environment

  • Violence and aggression

  • Bullying; harassment including sexual and gender based harassment

  • Conflict or poor workplace relationships and interactions

Understanding psychosocial hazards workshop

Two hour in person or online workshop that is suitable for all levels of the organisation.

Learning objectives:

  • Define and identify each psychosocial hazard

  • Understand the impact on mental health

  • Consider how to respond to hazards (i.e. foresee, eliminate, minimise or control)