Psychological Risk Assessment
In light of the current and upcoming changes to WH&S laws that demand the management of psychosocial risks, ensuring a secure and well workplace is imperative. Legal adherence aside, both leadership and staff engagement in psychosocial risk mitigation is essential to cultivating a culture of safety. This should be a central element of any organisation’s strategy for personnel or overall wellbeing.
What is a Psychological Risk Assessment?
A risk assessment is a methodical approach for appraising possible psychosocial risks associated with a specific activity. Typically, there are four critical elements to consider during a risk assessment:
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Hazard Identification
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Risk Analysis
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Risk Mitigation
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Evaluation of Risk Controls
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"When employees are consistently exposed to these factors at work, they may start to face adverse mental health effects, including stress, burnout, or depression related to their job."
What are Psychosocial Risks?
Psychosocial risks encompass various workplace factors, circumstances, and occurrences that could adversely impact employees' mental health, such as:
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Limited autonomy in job roles,
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Excessive workloads,
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Inadequate support systems,
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Substandard management of organizational changes,
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Lack of fairness within the organization,
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Insufficient acknowledgment and incentives,
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Ambiguity in job responsibilities,
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Negative interpersonal relations at work,
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Suboptimal working conditions,
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Solitary or secluded work settings,
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Encounters with distressing material or incidents,
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Acts of violence and hostility,
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Workplace bullying,
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Instances of sexual harassment.
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