Managing psychosocial risk can feel like walking on a tightrope. As a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU), you have to balance multiple, often competing, factors that impact both employee well-being and organisational performance.
On one hand, you need to ensure that your workplace environment fosters mental and emotional health, which can be challenging as psychosocial risks are often less tangible than physical hazards.
On the other hand, you must maintain productivity, meet business goals, and adhere to legal and regulatory requirements.
This tightrope walk of managing psychosocial risk is further complicated by the fact that every employee’s needs and stressors are different, requiring a nuanced approach to risk management. Overlooking or mishandling these risks can lead to decreased morale, increased absenteeism, or even legal repercussions, while overly rigid policies might stifle creativity and flexibility. Balancing these dynamics requires careful attention, ongoing communication, and a proactive approach to creating a supportive, yet productive, work environment.
Leveraging a learning management system like WorkPlan Learning can be a powerful tool to manage and mitigate these risks. Here are 5 areas where WorkPlan Learning can have a positive impact on managing psychosocial risk.
1. The Design of Work, Including Job Demands and Tasks Involved
The design of work is foundational to managing risk in the workplace. WorkPlan Learning can ensure that workers are adequately trained for the tasks they are assigned, matching job demands to their skill levels. By providing tailored training modules, WorkPlan Learning helps to prevent scenarios where workers are underprepared or overwhelmed, thereby reducing the likelihood of hazards arising from poorly matched job demands.
2. Systems of Work
Systems of work include the policies, procedures, and practices that guide how work is done. WorkPlan Learning can help streamline the systems of work by ensuring that all employees have access to up-to-date training and resources, enabling them to follow best practices consistently. This reduces the chances of introducing psychosocial hazards due to gaps in communication or understanding of work processes.
3. The Design and Layout and Environmental Conditions
The physical environment of a workplace can be a significant source of risk. WorkPlan Learning can be used to deliver training on best practices for maintaining a safe and efficient workspace, including proper entry and exit procedures and the use of welfare facilities. WorkPlan Learning can deliver training on the importance of privacy, security, and comfort in workspaces, helping to mitigate risks such as violence or harassment. It can also provide simulations and interactive modules to help workers understand how to respond to environmental hazards effectively.
4. Plant, Substances, and Structures at the Workplace
Physical hazards related to machinery, equipment, and substances can introduce significant risks if not properly managed. WorkPlan Learning can help you provide detailed training materials with assessments to your employees and contractors on the safe operation of plant and machinery, as well as on handling hazardous substances. By ensuring that workers are well-trained, WorkPlan Learning helps to reduce the physical and psychosocial risks associated with these elements.
5. Workplace Interactions or Behaviours
The way workers interact with each other can significantly impact workplace safety. WorkPlan Learning can foster a positive organisational culture by offering training on professional behaviour, conflict resolution, and leadership. By promoting supportive and respectful interactions, an LMS helps to minimise risks associated with poor workplace behaviour and relationships.
Effective Risk Management
Effective risk management relies on providing workers with the right information, training, and supervision. WorkPlan Learning can centralise these efforts, ensuring that all workers receive consistent and comprehensive training. Whether it’s clarifying roles to reduce role ambiguity or offering refresher courses on safety protocols, WorkPlan Learning plays a critical role in controlling risks through education and supervision.
Incorporating WorkPlan Learning into your risk management strategy can significantly enhance your ability to identify, assess, and control workplace hazards. By addressing these seven key areas, you not only improve safety but also foster a more informed, capable, and resilient workforce.
Access our free course on Managing Psychosocial Hazards in the Workplace for office holder or people conducting a business or undertaking.
Register your interest here: https://workplan.com.au/request-demo/
Contact us on 1300 726 708 or contact@workplan.com.au.
Learn more about our WHS Essentials program.
ALSO READ: How You Can Implement Your Strategy Through WorkPlan Learning
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In the spirit of reconciliation WorkPlan acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.