Updated guidance: managing workplace psychosocial risks
Every Queensland business, regardless of size, has a responsibility under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (the WHS Act) and the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (WHS Regulation) to create a workplace that’s both physically and psychologically safe.
To better support small businesses in managing the risk of psychosocial hazards, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) has developed updated guidance that more accurately reflects the responsibilities of PCBUs under the Managing the risk of psychosocial hazards Code of Practice 2022 and Sexual Harassment and Sex or Gender based harassment guidance.
What are psychosocial hazards?
These are hazards that arise from, or relate to:
- how work is designed or managed
- the work environment
- equipment used
- workplace interactions and behaviours.
These hazards can cause psychological, and sometimes, physical harm.
Psychosocial hazards and their effects aren’t always obvious. Some psychosocial hazards, when present at low levels over a long period of time, can accumulate to significantly affect psychological health. Others, like a single stressful event, may cause immediate harm. In many cases, different psychosocial hazards can interact and combine to increase the overall risk of harm.
The new guide
The new guide makes it easier to:
- understand the risk management process
- identify common psychosocial hazards
- recognise examples of those hazards
- explore suggested control measures.
Whether you’re a business owner, manager, or supervisor, this guide provides clear, actionable steps to support worker wellbeing and help you meet your legal obligations under Queensland’s workplace health and safety laws.
Taking proactive steps to manage psychosocial hazards not only protects workers but can also improve overall workplace morale and productivity.
For more information visit small business resources.
Download the updated guide (PDF, 0.93 MB) and take the next step toward creating a mentally healthy and safer workplace.