The things at work that can harm mental health are known as psychosocial hazards. These hazards can also cause physical harm.
Psychosocial hazards include:
- job demands
- low job control
- poor support
- lack of role clarity
- poor organisational change management
- inadequate reward and recognition
- poor organisational justice
- traumatic events or material
- remote or isolated work
- poor physical environment
- violence and aggression
- bullying
- harassment, including sexual harassment, and
- conflict or poor workplace relationships and interactions
Psychosocial hazards can come from:
- the design or management of work
- a work environment
- plant (e.g. equipment) at a workplace, or
- workplace interactions or behaviours.
Under the model WHS laws, a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must manage the psychosocial risks in the workplace.