What you need to know! New Psychosocial Hazards, Work Code of Practice!
From April 1, 2023, employers will have a stronger obligation to manage employees’ psychosocial safety at work.
As a business owner, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and hazards that can impact the health and safety of your employees. One area of growing concern is psychosocial hazards in the workplace, which can have negative impacts on employee well-being, productivity, and retention.
Psychosocial hazards refer to the potential sources of stress and other psychological factors that can impact employees. These hazards can arise from a range of factors, including high job demands, low levels of control over work tasks, inadequate social support from colleagues and supervisors, and workplace bullying and harassment.
To address these risks, the Australian government has introduced new legislation and a Code of Practice for managing psychosocial hazards in the workplace. The Code of Practice provides guidelines and recommendations for employers on how to identify, assess, and control psychosocial hazards.
Failure to comply with these guidelines can result in legal action, as well as negative impacts on employee well-being and productivity. Business owners should take proactive steps to address psychosocial hazards in the workplace, including conducting regular risk assessments and implementing appropriate controls. This may involve changes to work schedules or task assignments, providing training and support for managers and employees, and implementing policies and procedures to prevent and address workplace bullying and harassment.
In addition to legal and ethical obligations, addressing psychosocial hazards can have positive benefits for your business. By creating a safer and more supportive work environment, you can improve employee well-being, job satisfaction, and productivity, as well as reduce turnover and absenteeism.
As a business owner, it is important to take psychosocial hazards seriously and to take proactive steps to address them. By complying with the Code of Practice and implementing effective controls, you can create a safer and healthier workplace for your employees and your business.