The Definition of Psychosocial Hazards

Definition of Psychosocial Hazards

Psychosocial hazards are features of work design, organization, management and social environment that can cause psychological or physical harm. Examples include high job demands, low control over work, poor support, unclear roles, bullying, harassment, workplace violence, remote or isolated work, fatigue from long hours and poorly managed change. Prolonged exposure can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, musculoskeletal disorders and cardiovascular disease, and it can increase the risk of errors and incidents.

ISO 45003, published in 2021, gives guidance on managing psychosocial risk within an ISO 45001 management system. Some jurisdictions, including Australia, now set explicit legal duties to manage psychosocial hazards like any other workplace hazard.

Key Facts About Psychosocial Hazards

• Psychosocial hazards are mostly organizational design issues, not individual weaknesses.
• They are managed with the same hazard identification, risk assessment and control process used for physical hazards.
• The U.S. has no federal OSHA standard for psychosocial hazards, though the General Duty Clause has been applied to workplace violence.
• Lone and remote work, shift work and fatigue are common psychosocial risk factors in field-heavy industries.
• Employee assistance programs help individuals but don't control the hazard at its source.

Example of a Psychosocial Hazard

A utility's field technicians report rising stress after dispatch targets are increased and travel times aren't adjusted. A risk assessment finds excessive workload and time pressure, so the company revises scheduling targets, adds check-in support for lone workers and monitors overtime and fatigue.

How to Manage Psychosocial Hazards

1. Consult workers through surveys, interviews and safety committees.
2. Identify hazards in job demands, control, support, relationships, role clarity and change.
3. Assess risk by severity, duration and frequency of exposure.
4. Control hazards at the source, such as redesigning workloads or rosters.
5. Monitor indicators like absenteeism, turnover and complaints, and review controls regularly.

For a deeper guide, see SafetyIQ's article on psychosocial hazard management and ISO 45003.

Related Terms

• Psychological Safety
• Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS)
• Shift Work Fatigue
• Lone Worker
• Duty of Care

Frequently Asked Questions: Psychosocial Hazards

What is the difference between a psychosocial hazard and psychosocial risk?

The hazard is the source of potential harm, such as excessive workload. The risk is the likelihood and severity of harm from exposure to it.

Is ISO 45003 a certifiable standard?

No. ISO 45003 is a guidance document. Organizations certify to ISO 45001 and use ISO 45003 to strengthen how they manage psychological health.

Are psychosocial hazards a safety issue or an HR issue?

Both. They require HR involvement, but because they come from how work is designed and managed, they belong in the safety management system alongside physical hazards.