Tips on managing psychosocial risks in your workplace

Australian regulators are visiting workplaces to understand what businesses have done to protect workers from risk factors (such as poor workplace culture, job demands, poor organisational change, and interpersonal conflict), which can significantly impact workers' mental health and overall wellbeing. 

Managing psychosocial risks in your workplace

Unlike physical hazards, psychosocial risks are less visible but equally important to address. There is a growing body of evidence that demonstrates that psychosocial claims are more complex and more expensive to manage than physical injury claims.

In Australia, employers are obligated to eliminate or minimise psychosocial risks as far as reasonably practicable. This means that corporate leaders must proactively identify, assess, and manage these risks to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.

Failure to do so can lead to severe personal consequences, including increased worker stress, symptoms of anxiety and depression, reduced productivity, higher absenteeism, and a general decline in overall organisational performance.

Not properly assessing and addressing risk can also be a breach of legal obligations, exposing employers and corporate leaders to improvement notices, fines or potential prosecution.

Some strategies to consider when managing psychosocial risks include:

• Risk assessment: conducting thorough assessments to identify potential psychosocial hazards and their impact on employees.
• Policy development: establishing clear policies and procedures to address identified risks and promote a supportive work environment.
• Training and education: providing training for managers and employees on recognising and managing psychosocial risks.
• Employee engagement: involving employees in the risk management process to gain insights and foster a culture of openness and support.
• Monitoring and review: regularly reviewing and updating risk management strategies to ensure their effectiveness and compliance with legal requirements.

By prioritising psychosocial risk management, leaders can create a healthier, more productive workplace, enhance employee wellbeing, and uphold their legal and ethical responsibilities. This proactive approach not only protects workers but also strengthens the organisation's reputation and long-term success.

Supporting your workplace safety goals

Through the Mutual Benefits Program, EML customers can access a range of training, tools and resources including:

• free self-paced and facilitated training
• online safety management systems
• risk assessment tools
• over 100 resources through eml.com.au including the latest episode of our new psychosocial risk podcast Judgemental. 

Start your risk management program and better protect your people today.