What are psychosocial hazards?

Psychosocial hazards are aspects of work that can affect a person’s mental health, wellbeing, and safety. They arise from how work is organised, managed, or experienced, rather than from physical dangers.

Safe Work Australia (SWA) defines a “psychosocial hazard” as anything at work that could cause psychological harm. Hazards can arise from work design, the environment, workplace interactions, or behaviours.

Many aspects of a teacher’s work may qualify as psychosocial hazards. Examples include:

·         Exposure to aggressive student behaviour

·         High workloads or unrealistic deadlines

·         Poor job control or lack of decision-making authority

·         Role conflict or ambiguity

·         Bullying, harassment, or discrimination

·         Job insecurity or unfair treatment

·         Poor support from managers or colleagues

·         Stressful interactions with clients, students, or the public.

Exposure to psychosocial hazards can cause stress, anxiety, burnout, and other health issues if not addressed.

Under model Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws, employers have a legal duty to identify, assess, and control these hazards, ensuring workplaces are safe, supportive, and respectful.

In Victoria, new regulations specifically addressing psychosocial hazards came into effect in December 2025, bringing the state in line with national standards. Under the WHS Act, employers now have a “positive duty” to eliminate  ̶  or where that is not reasonably practicable, minimise  ̶  risks to workers’ physical and mental health, treating psychosocial hazards with the same priority as physical hazards.

Psychosocial hazards are now explicitly treated like physical hazards under law.

Hazards often interact, and the more that occur at the same time, the greater the risk of employees experiencing stress or other psychological effects that can compromise health and safety.

The IEU Victoria Tasmania continues to advocate for schools to implement these measures, ensuring staff are supported and protected in their workplaces.

Employer responsibilities for psychosocial hazards

To meet minimum standards, school employers must:

·         Consult with workers, including elected HSRs, to identify hazards.

·         Identify hazards using records, claims, grievances, surveys, and local data.

·         Assess risks by evaluating likelihood, frequency, severity, and interactions with workers.

·         Control risks by eliminating or minimising hazards and their impacts.

·         Maintain and review controls through regular checks and updates.

·         Respond to reports with clear procedures and support for complaints, incidents, or hazard notifications.

What IEU members can do to combat psychosocial hazards

Elect a Health and Safety Representative (HSR)

Electing an employee-elected HSR and establishing a Health and Safety Committee is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your colleagues. HSRs can identify and report hazards, inspect the workplace, participate in safety consultations, and hold management accountable. With union-supported training, HSRs act independently, are not personally liable for good-faith actions, and can investigate risks, monitor compliance, stop unsafe work, and issue Provisional Improvement Notices when needed.

Bargain for Better Conditions

Collective bargaining is a key tool for improving working conditions, including support for mental health and wellbeing. Use Logs of Claims, sub-branch motions, and workplace discussions to highlight issues such as workload, stress, safety, and harassment. Active member participation strengthens bargaining power and ensures employers take staff needs seriously.

Contact Your Union

The IEU provides support for psychosocial hazards, workplace injuries, and Workers’ Compensation claims. Contact the union as soon as you face psychological or safety risks. For immediate danger, call 000. You have the right to a safe workplace, and your union is here to protect it.

For immediate mental health support, 24/7, call:

·         Lifeline – 12 11 14

·         Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636

For more on this topic, see the upcoming edition of your IE professional journal, delivered as part of your membership. It will also be available the IEU website at: ieuvictas.org.au/member-publications