What is it?
Psychosocial harm is the latest trend in H&S and its waiting to visit you. Typically it refers to harm arising from things such as the organisation of work and the work environment, bullying, job stress – anything which may cause harm or distress and thus a threat to health and safety. It is generally invisible, multi-faceted and in the mind of the individual. Thus it is difficult to quantify and address.
It features issues such as bullying, harassment or conflict, employee performance and even remuneration – all issues typically handled by HR. In our view, that is where they belong. That’s ok if you are a large company – but that is not 90% + of NZ businesses.
If you don’t have an HR function – the options are;
- engage an HSE advisor – either someone in the organisation who is good at dealing with these issues or an outsider.
- do it yourself – which means you need to at least acknowledge and investigate issues. Make sure you keep a record. But maintain confidentiality.
- do nothing – we don’t recommend this.
Psychosocial harm is the latest trend in H&S and given impetus by being regarded as a “Critical Risk” by Worksafe. From Auckland to points south, business needs to be aware of this as a potential source of harm and a critical risk.