Managing psychological hazards at work

 
Last month Safe Work Australia released a new model Code of Practice for managing psychological hazards at work. This follows recent amendments made to the model Work, Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations to address psychological risks. This new model Code of Practice provides practical guidance for persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) on their WHS duties to manage psychosocial risks occurring from work. 

What is a psychosocial hazard? 
Psychosocial hazards are hazards that may cause psychological and physical harm and arise from or are in relation to:

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

The psychosocial hazards and appropriate control measures will vary between workplaces, depending on the work environment. Below is an extract from the new model Code of Practice explaining some of the psychosocial hazards that may arise at work. 

 
Work-related psychological injuries and illness have a significant impact on workers, their families and the business. Research shows the majority of psychological injuries have a longer recovery time, higher associated costs and require more time away from work as opposed to physical injuries. 

With the recent influx of queries coming from our members relating to WHS concerns such as employee burn-out, high job demand due to being understaffed and an increase in aggravated patients, it’s topical that this has been released and hopefully will provide you with some guidance on what to do. 

How does this apply in Queensland legislation?
Back in 1956, the High Court ruled that an employer was negligent due to the system of work being used in the organisation when an employee was injured. As a result, legislation was put in place to ensure employers are obligated to provide a safe and healthy work environment for their employees. 

Safe Work Australia is an Australian government statutory agency that develops national policy to improve work health and safety (WHS) and workers’ compensation arrangements across Australia. However, they don’t regulate WHS laws or administer workers’ compensation arrangements.  

Model laws, regulations and codes of practice are created for each state to use as a guide and either they can adopt the same, or a varied version of the provisions/information contained. 

The Commonwealth, States and Territories regulate and enforce WHS laws and administer workers’ compensation schemes in their own jurisdictions. For Queensland, we have the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and codes of practice.

As mentioned, the model Code of Practice for managing psychological hazards at work is a model Code of Practice and Queensland is yet to implement their own version. However, it’s still a great resource for employers to review and find key takeaways.

What are your obligations as an employer?
Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act), PCBUs have a primary duty of care and must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers while the workers are at work in the business or undertaking. The WHS Act provides a PCBU’s obligations in more detail, and it’s important you familiarise yourself with this section of the act. You can read more in Division 2 of the act, or contact the Workplace Relations Team for further guidance on (07) 3872 2222 or workplacerelations@amaq.com.au. 

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