Psychosocial hazards are hazards that arise from the design or management of work, the working environment, workplace machinery or equipment, or workplace interactions and behaviours that can cause psychological and physical harm.
Some common psychosocial hazards at work include:
- job demands
- low job control
- poor support
- lack of role clarity
- poor organisational change management
- inadequate reward and recognition
- poor organisational justice
- exposure to traumatic events or material
- remote or isolated work
- poor physical environment
- bullying and harassment, and
- workplace conflict, violence and aggression.
Just like physical, chemical and biological hazards, psychosocial hazards must be identified, addressed and effectively managed to maintain safe and healthy workplaces.
How to get involved
Safe Work Australia is encouraging everyone to promote World Day on 28 April 2026 to recognise the importance of health and safety in the workplace.
- Download our co-brandable resources to promote the day in your workplace:
- Post your awareness-raising content on social media along with our social tiles and the hashtags #WorldWHSDay2026 #SafeDay2026.
- Access our resources on psychosocial hazards in the workplace. These provide employers with examples of hazards, how to identify them and helpful tools to mitigate their risks to ensure a healthy workplace.
Ensuring a healthy psychosocial working environment
The Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy sets a platform for delivering WHS improvements over the next decade, including on persistent and emerging issues like managing psychosocial risks.
Our resources help to control psychosocial hazards and maintain safe working environments. Our guidance offers examples of hazards, advice on identifying them and practical tools for managing and reducing associated risks: