Psychosocial Hazards
Psychosocial hazards primarily refer to work-related stress caused by factors such as high work pressure.
In recent years, issues like workplace violence, bullying, harassment (including sexual harassment), and exposure to traumatic events have increasingly been recognised as critical workplace health and safety concerns. While stress-related compensation claims are still relatively few, they are becoming significantly more expensive.
However, the true cost of workplace stress goes far beyond compensation claims. Many workers opt to take sick leave rather than file claims, making stress-related absenteeism a major hidden cost for employers. Other hidden costs include reduced productivity, increased employee turnover, and the broader impact on workplace morale. Furthermore, violent or aggressive behavior in the workplace poses serious risks, not only to employee well-being but also to legal compliance, potential common law actions, and business operations.
Employers have a legal duty of care to provide safe workplaces that do not cause psychological harm. This makes it essential for health and safety managers, along with supervisors, to understand how to identify and address psychosocial hazards. In the first part of this chapter, we explore the principles of identifying workplace stress as a hazard, assessing the associated risks, and implementing effective control measures. Later, we examine issues like workplace violence and bullying in greater detail.
Log into the NECA Member's Knowledge Base to download your Psychosocial Hazards Toolkit.