46 - Psychosocial Hazards in the Workplace

Strategy, Leadership and Impact

Psychosocial hazards are hazards that arise from or about the design or management of work, the working environment, and workplace interactions or behaviours and may cause psychological and physical harm. ​ These hazards can lead to conditions such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sleep disorders, musculoskeletal injuries, chronic diseases, and physical injuries following fatigue-related workplace incidents. ​ The body's reaction to these hazards is stress, which can have physiological and psychological effects. ​ While stress is not an injury, frequent, prolonged, or severe stress can cause harm. ​It is essential to manage psychosocial hazards to protect workers' health and safety, reduce costs and disruptions associated with injuries, and improve overall organisational performance and productivity. ​