Psychosocial hazards in work place

Workplace psychosocial hazards are related to the psychological and

social conditions of the workplace rather than just the physical conditions.

Workers are likely to be exposed to a combination of work-related

psychosocial hazards and risk factors. These include stress, fatigue,

bullying, violence, aggression, harassment and burnout, which can be

harmful to the health of workers and compromise their wellbeing.

Common causes of psychological hazards

The most common causes of psychological health issues in the workplace
are:
 high job demands
 low job demands
 low job control
 poor support from supervisors/co-workers
 poor role clarity and role conflict
 poor workplace relationships
 poor organisational change management
 poor organisational justice
 low recognition and reward
 Remote and isolated work
 poor environmental conditions
 violent or traumatic events (primary and secondary).

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High job stress was linked with a broader spectrum of diseases via an unhealthy
lifestyle and obesity, including type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke

Regular stress and psychological injuries can have a snowball effect for
companies. The negative impact can not only lead to mental health issues for the
individual, but more unplanned absences, higher staff turnover, lack of engagement
or withdrawal from work and errors in work. 

While hazards differ from workplace to workplace, elements that inflict psychological
harm generally fall into one of the following categories:

 Environmental: These hazards tend to be physical that affect a worker's

comfort in the workplace. This could include poor air quality, extreme noise
or temperatures, unsafe machinery.
 Organisational: These hazards have to do with management and how things
are done within an organisation. Common organisational hazards include
high job demand, lack of support from supervisors or colleagues, bullying,
lack of control over one's job, lack of clarity with a role, poor
communication about changes within an organisation and lack of reward and
recognition.
 Individual: People are impacted by factors differently. What harms one
worker might not harm another, at least not to the same extent. For example,
a fast-paced job may be less stress for an older, more experienced person,
but very overwhelming to a younger, less experienced person.

Psychological Hazard Control Measures

Poor workplace conditions Increase lighting in darker areas, install better
ventilation, sound proof rooms for quiet and

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 privacy, reduce time exposed to conditions

Consult with workers when determining goals

and targets, develop timeframes for projects, hire
High job demand
more people if needed, enforce planning to
ensure work promised is feasible

Implement policies and procedures for

workplace behaviour and misconduct, require
training about policies, procedures and
Bullying
workplace harassment behaviours, provide systems for workers to
report inappropriate behaviour, provide support
systems such as mentors or buddies

Consult with workers on jobs that need to be

filled and the duties involved, have defined job

Poor job clarity roles so scope and expectations are clear,

provide proper induction training when a new
person starts a role

Managing psychological risk 

 Identify the hazards that could inflict psychological harm
 Assess the risks of the hazards to prioritise
 Control the risks
 Monitor and review your control measures

Hazardous Chemical
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 What is a Hazardous Chemical:

A hazardous chemical is any substance that poses a physical or health hazard to

you or others in the workplace.

Some Hazardous Chemicals You Might Encounter on the Job

 Arsenic. Physical state: Solid. ...
 Lead. Physical state: Solid. ...
 Benzene. Physical state: Liquid. ...
 Chromium. Physical state: Solid. ...
 Toluene. Physical state: Liquid. ...
 Cadmium. Physical state: Solid. ...
 Zinc. Physical state: Solid. ...
 Mercury. Physical state: Liquid
Types of Chemical Hazards in the Workplace
 Asphyxiants.
 Corrosives.
 Irritants.
 Sensitizers.
 Carcinogens.
 Mutagens.
 Reactive.
 Flammable.

Common hazardous substances in the workplace include:

 acids.
 caustic substances.
 disinfectants.
 glues.
 heavy metals, including mercury, lead, cadmium and aluminium.
 paint.
 pesticides.
 petroleum products.

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 Exposure to chemicals commonly used in workplaces can lead to a variety of
short- and long-term health effects such as poisoning, skin rashes and disorders
of the lung, kidney and liver.

Hazardous chemicals are substances that can cause adverse health effects such
as poisoning, breathing problems, skin rashes, allergic reactions, allergic
sensitisation, cancer, and other health problems from exposure. Many
hazardous chemicals are also classified as dangerous goods.

Examples of acute health effects include dizziness, skin irritation, and throat
irritation. Keep in mind that a chemical may cause both acute and chronic effects.
Health effects can vary depending on the organ, the dose level, frequency,
duration, and route of exposure (inhalation, skin contact, etc.)

How to Mange the exposure;

1. Elimination: Discontinue the use of the hazardous chemical.

2. Substitution: Replace the hazardous chemical with a less hazardous substance.

3. Engineering Controls: Isolate people from the hazardous substance.

4. Administrative controls: Change the way people work.

5. PPE: Protect people with personal protective equipment using fume hoods.