Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work
The Code of Practice for managing psychosocial hazards comes into effect in Queensland tomorrow, 1 April 2023. Similar requirements are already in place in other states, including NSW & WA.
The QLD Code of Practice will apply to all employers, including small business.
Psychosocial hazards include situations that increase the risk of work-related stress which can then lead to psychological or physical harm. This can stem from:
- • Poor job design, lack of role clarity or support
- • Ineffective management or supervision
- • Working in hazardous environments
- • Poor organisational change management
- • Poor workplace relations and social interactions
- • Poor environmental conditions
- • Traumatic events
- • Bullying & Harassment
- • Poor organisational justice
- • Job demands and fatigue.
What you need to do
Employers are required to manage hazards and risks, both physical and psychological. This can be done by taking time to identify, assess, control and review the psychosocial hazards in your workplace to minimise and prevent psychological injury.
Equally, a greater level of management commitment to improve the way work is designed and managed will also reduce psychological hazards and risks.
The introduction of the new Code of Practice also presents an opportunity for organisations to check in on their workplace culture.
Reach out if you want to chat about what this new code means for your business and your managers.
