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.

Supporting information

• Model WHS Regulations
• Model Code of Practice: Managing psychosocial hazards at work
• Workers compensation and Return to work
• People at Work