What is a psychosocial hazard?
A psychosocial hazard is anything that could cause psychological harm (e.g. cause harm to your mental health). Put simply, workplace psychosocial hazards are things that have the potential to cause you stress at work.
Common psychosocial hazards at work are illustrated in the image below.
This short video from Comcare provides a nice overview psychosocial hazards.
How psychosocial hazards cause harm
Psychosocial hazards can create stress. Stress itself is not an injury. But if workers are stressed often, over a long time, or the level of stress is high, it can cause psychological or physical harm.
- Psychological harm may include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, sleep disorders. You can find out more about these disorders here.
- Physical harm may include musculoskeletal injuries, chronic disease or fatigue related injuries.
Support
If something at work is causing you stress, please speak up.
- Speak with your manager about it. If you are not comfortable approaching your manager, you can reach out to another manager, the HSE team or the C&P team.
- Contact out Employee Asistance Program (EAP), Assure.
If you are concerned about your mental health, please read this article which includes links to support services.
