Psychosocial hazard risk assessment

Related tools

Frequently asked questions

What are psychosocial hazards under WHS law?

Psychosocial hazards are aspects of work and work environments that can cause psychological or physical harm — including high or low job demands, low job control, poor support, low role clarity, bullying, harassment, violence and aggression, traumatic exposure and poor workplace relationships. The model WHS Regulations, amended in 2022, require a PCBU to manage psychosocial risks the same way as any other work health and safety risk.

What does the law require me to do about psychosocial risk?

A PCBU must identify psychosocial hazards, assess the risk they pose, control the risk so far as is reasonably practicable using the hierarchy of controls, and review the control measures. Safe Work Australia's model Code of Practice 'Managing psychosocial hazards at work' sets out how to do this. Consultation with workers is a legal duty, and the assessment and controls should be documented.

Which jurisdictions do these rules apply in?

The specific psychosocial regulations apply across most WHS jurisdictions that have adopted the model laws — NSW, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, the ACT, the Northern Territory and the Commonwealth. Victoria manages psychosocial risk under its own OHS regime rather than the model WHS Regulations. Always confirm the position for your jurisdiction.

How is the risk rating calculated?

This tool uses a standard 4x4 risk matrix. You rate how likely harm is (rare, possible, likely or almost certain) and how severe the consequence could be (minor, moderate, major or severe). The matrix combines the two into a risk rating of low, medium, high or extreme, which helps you prioritise which hazards to control first. Higher-order controls that redesign the work are more effective than administrative measures alone.