Working in the construction industry often exposes workers to psychosocial hazards that can affect mental health. Psychosocial hazards are factors that could lead to psychological harm, such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and sleep disorders. It's essential to consider the duration, frequency, and severity of exposure to these hazards when assessing the risk of harm. Physical injuries can also occur, including musculoskeletal issues and fatigue-related conditions.

Common Psychosocial Hazards

Key psychosocial hazards in construction work include:

• High job demands
• Low job control (e.g., limited authority over breaks)
• Insufficient support (e.g., inadequate training)
• Remote or isolated work environments
• Poor physical conditions (e.g., long hours in heat)
• Violence and aggression
• Bullying
• Harassment (including sexual harassment)
• Conflicts and poor workplace relationships

Safety Measures to Mitigate Psychosocial Risks

To control these risks, safety measures should be implemented such as:

• Ensuring regular breaks
• Maintaining contact with remote workers
• Providing necessary tools and training
• Clearly outlining tasks and expectations
• Regular consultation with workers
• Addressing workplace violence and harassment

As a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU), it is your duty to eliminate or minimize psychosocial risks as far as reasonably practicable. Refer to Part 3.2, Division 11 of the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations for more details.

Duties of PCBUs and Workers

PCBUs must manage psychosocial risks through a structured risk management process, while workers should ensure their own and others' health and safety by following reasonable instructions.

Risk Management Process

To effectively manage these risks, PCBUs should:

• Identify hazards
• Implement control measures
• Maintain and review these measures for effectiveness

Hazard Identification

Common psychosocial hazards include:

• Job demands
• Low job control (e.g., weather affecting work)
• Insufficient support
• Remote work
• Poor physical environments
• Violence and aggression
• Bullying
• Harassment
• Poor workplace relationships

Risk Assessment

Assessing risks involves considering:

• Duration: Length of exposure to hazards
• Frequency: How often exposure occurs
• Severity: The seriousness of hazards

Risk Control

WHS risks must be eliminated if reasonably practicable. If not, they should be minimized as much as possible.

When determining control measures, PCBUs should assess:

• Exposure duration, frequency, and severity
• Interactions between hazards
• Workplace design and layout
• Worker interactions and behaviors
• Training and supervision provided

Safety measures may include regular breaks, communication with remote workers, safe equipment, clear task definitions, and prevention of violence and bullying.

Monitoring and Reviewing Control Measures

Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of control measures. If they are not adequate, revisions must be made. Reviews should occur when:

• Control measures fail to minimize risks
• Changes introduce new risks
• New hazards are identified
• Consultation results indicate a need for review
• A Health and Safety Representative requests a review

This comprehensive approach is essential for fostering a safe and healthy construction work environment.

For more information: Psychosocial hazards and mental health | Safe Work Australia