Managing Psychosocial Risks

A workplace psychosocial hazard is anything in the workplace which has the potential to cause psychosocial harm. These generally fall into three categories and are

  • the design or management of work or
  • a work environment / plant at work or
  • workplace interactions or behaviours

Exposure to these hazards at work may arise through:

  • The poor behaviour and conduct of colleagues, contractors, visitors or members of the public
  • High job demands, poor change management or lack of role clarity
  • work environment issues such as exposure to traumatic events or material, violence or aggression.

The University has a duty to manage psychosocial risks. Supervisors must take active steps to manage the safety of staff they supervise, through creating a safe work environment, responding to staff concerns and supporting staff where required.

Follow the steps below.

To proactively safeguard against psychosocial hazards, implement the comprehensive controls from our Psychosocial Risk Assessments and engage with the offerings of our Wellbeing Program:

Prevent psychosocial risks

Address any reported concerns quickly; supervisors should engage in dialogue to resolve issues and seek further guidance from HR or HSW as needed:

Respond to psychosocial concerns raised

  • Supervisors – discuss and resolve concerns raised by staff, seeking advice from the Human Resources Advisory or the Health Safety and Wellbeing Team if required
  • Staff and Supervisors – report concerns if these have not been satisfactorily resolved through the following channels:
    • unacceptable behaviour from staff, students or other members of the university community to the Integrity Unit
    • all other psychosocial risk concerns to Human Resources via Unisafe.
  • Use Appendix A of the Psychosocial Risk Management procedure to identify possible controls to manage psychosocial risk/concerns.

Enhance the personal wellbeing of our community through available resources such as the Employee Assistance Program, Manager Assist, and supportive work arrangements:

Promote individual wellbeing and supports

Access additional tools and educational materials to further support staff wellbeing and professional development through our varied learning and development programs:

Other resources