Creating a safe workplace free from psychosocial hazards

As a business owner, you’re well aware of your obligation to provide a safe working environment, and with the recent SafeWork reforms, there’s an even bigger push towards ensuring that Australian companies are creating a workplace free from psychosocial hazards. 

Psychosocial hazards can include bullying, harassment, aggression, excessive, unrealistic workloads and potentially anything else deemed to have a significant impact on an employee’s mental health. With these new reforms in NSW, you could open your organisation up to fines if you haven’t addressed psychosocial hazards in your workplace.

Bullying and Harassment 

 You may think that your company has a welcoming environment, but it’s surprisingly easy for bullying and harassment to go overlooked, especially in a larger corporation. Not only that, but employees may also feel reluctant to speak up and bring attention to these matters if they don’t feel supported and feel that your company does not take these concerns seriously. You could even lose top talent by allowing these behaviours fester, hence the importance of maintaining a safe workplace for your staff. 

A hostile environment 

Psychosocial hazards in the workplace aren’t just limited to bullying and harassment. If your company’s working environment is rife with gossip or is an environment where unfavourable behaviours are frequently overlooked, these can also be considered psychosocial hazards, for which you could be fined.  

Excessive, unrealistic workloads and being exposed to events which traumatise staff are also aspects that you need to be aware of as a business owner in creating a safe environment for all employees. 

With the new reforms from SafeWork on the horizon, it’s important that you identify and address potential issues. Not just to avoid fines and compliance issues, but to ensure that your staff have a healthy environment which in turn leads them to being happier and more productive.  

For more information and guidance on Australian employment law, we offer a 24/7 employment relations line where you can speak to a specialist that can advise you on the necessary approaches. Book a demo with us today for more info!