Understanding psychosocial hazards.

Be aware of the factors

Psychosocial hazards are any factors that could cause harm. Managing these hazards at work means creating a supportive and healthy work environment.

Common psychosocial hazards.

Examples of workplace psychosocial hazards include:

Poor support

Not getting enough support from supervisors, other workers, or not having the resources to do your job well.

Job demands

Consistently high or low levels of physical, mental or emotional effort are needed to do the job.

Inadequate reward & recognition

Lack of positive feedback and recognition is not aligned to effort.

Traumatic events & materials

Witnessing or being exposed to traumatic events or materials.

Poor organisational justice

Lack of fair decision making processes.

Bullying

Experiencing repeated unreasonable behaviour.

Remote or isolated work

Regularly working alone because of the location, time or nature of work.

Poor physical environment

Experiencing unpleasant, poor quality or hazardous working environments or conditions.

Violence & aggression

Facing threats, physical harm, or any kind of bullying or violence in the workplace.

Harassment

Sexual or gender based harassment that creates risk of harm.

Poor organisational change management

Changes that are poorly planned, communicated, supported or managed.

Low job control

Not having a say on how, when, or where you do your job.

Lack of role clarity

Not getting clear instructions, on what is expected in the role or information keeps changing.

Conflicts or poor workplace relationships & interactions

Harmful behaviours that can harm the person they are directed at and anyone who witnesses the behaviour.

If you feel you are experiencing any of the above psychosocial factors at work speak with your immediate manager for assistance.