Psychosocial hazards have become a central feature of modern WHS compliance, but they do not fit neatly within traditional ideas of workplace risk. Unlike physical hazards, they are often relational, cumulative and highly dependent on context, making them difficult to identify, assess and control in a practical way.
Not all stress is equal: proving psychosocial risk under WHS laws Read More »
Customer‑driven violence is no longer confined to late‑night venues or emergency services. Across Australia, workers in retail, banking, healthcare, transport and service environments are increasingly subjected to abuse, threats and physical assault.
Managing customer driven violence: A legal and WHS imperative for organisations Read More »
The Minns Labor Government is boosting workplace mental health, with additional SafeWork NSW mental health-focussed inspectors now deployed.
New mental health safety inspectors now supporting workers and businesses Read More »
We are increasingly seeing employers in industries with heavy union saturation complain of the psychosocial hazards that can result from antisocial and belligerent union behaviour. Those hazards need to be identified and managed like other hazards in the workplace.
Case Study: Employee Organisations and Psychosocial Hazards Read More »
Safe Work Australia has released an independent research report conducted by Monash University, Research examining pathways to secondary psychological injury.
New research examines pathways to secondary psychological injury Read More »
The recent sentencing of a Commonwealth government department (Department) for failing to manage psychosocial risks arising during performance management processes is a defining moment for Australian workplaces.
When Performance Management Becomes a Psychosocial Hazard Read More »
Businesses in NSW that use, or are considering the use of, digital work systems will need to plan ahead in response to the new Work Health & Safety (WHS) duties relating to technology, currently before NSW Parliament.
New WHS responsibilities for ‘digital work systems’ in 2026 Read More »
New figures released by Safe Work Australia during National Safe Work Month show that the rate of work-related fatalities in 2024 is lower than the 5-year average from 2020 to 2024. However, claims for Mental health conditions continue to rise.
Using data to make workplaces safer – every job, every day Read More »
Exposure to uncontrolled psychosocial hazards can lead to significant psychological harm, potentially resulting in conditions such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Continued Focus on Psychosocial Hazard Identification Read More »
A Port Melbourne video production company and director have been fined a total of $55,000 for placing workers at risk of sexual harassment.
Video company and director fined $55,000 over harassment risk Read More »
WorkSafe is in the final stages of a long-running investigation into the City of Nedlands over alleged staff misconduct, coinciding with a tumultuous week when the entire “dysfunctional” council was sacked.
City of Nedlands under investigation for ‘inappropriate workplace behaviour’ claims Read More »
Warning: This article contains details about attempted suicide which may be upsetting for some readers. Reader discretion is advised.
A factory worker who stayed at home for six months after she “bumped” her knee, aggravating a prior injury, has been awarded thousands of dollars over a bullying investigation.
Injured worker stays home for six months – then gets $12k over bullying probe Read More »
The Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC) in Satterly v Brisbane City Council [2025] QIRC 97 examines establishing workplace misconduct as a valid dismissal reason, especially when psychiatric injury is involved. It highlights how misconduct and unfair dismissal interact with the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003.
Separating misconduct from psychiatric injury in dismissal Read More »
For Michael, a manufacturer in Western Sydney, the problem with workers compensation is simple.
Compo claims for stress and burnout are driving businesses to the edge Read More »
