From Boardrooms to Building Sites: The Hidden Epidemic of Psychosocial Hazards in Australian Workplaces
Australia is grappling with a surge in workplace psychosocial hazards, issues like bullying, excessive workloads, and violence that harm mental health. These account for 9% of workers' compensation claims, with a 37% rise in recent years, costing the economy $39 billion annually in lost productivity. Psychological injuries lead to prolonged absences (34 weeks on average) and higher payouts ($58,600 per claim) compared to physical injuries.
Key hazards include bullying (27.5% of claims), work pressure (25%), and workplace violence (16%). Other risks involve poor job control, unclear roles, and intrusive monitoring. New regulations across states, including a 2022 Model Code of Practice, mandate employers to manage these risks rigorously, with tools like the People at Work survey aiding hazard identification.
