Psychosocial Hazard Training and Awareness

What are psychosocial hazards?

Every Australian workplace is now expected to manage psychosocial hazards, just like physical safety risks. It's an important change, and for many HR and business leaders it's one more thing on a long list. We're here to make it easier. Our training helps managers and employees understand psychosocial hazards, spot them early and know what to do.

A psychosocial hazard is anything in the way work is designed or managed, the work environment, or how people treat each other that can cause psychological harm. Common examples include high workload, poor support, unclear roles, conflict, poorly managed change, and bullying or harassment. Psychosocial hazards are about the work, not the person.

What employers need to do

Under work health and safety laws, every Australian state and territory now has regulations or a code of practice for psychosocial hazards. Employers are expected to:

Identify the psychosocial hazards in their workplace.
Assess the risks they create.
Control those risks, removing them where possible and reducing them where not.
Review the controls to check they’re working.

Throughout, employers need to consult their workers. (Safe Work Australia, model Code of Practice)

Why managing psychosocial hazards matters

Getting this right protects your people and your organisation, and it’s good for your culture too.

For your people

Mental health conditions made up 12% of serious workers’ compensation claims in 2023-24. In 2022-23, the typical mental health claim meant about 36 weeks off work and $67,400 in compensation, compared with about 7 weeks and $16,300 for all serious claims. (Safe Work Australia)

For your organisation

Regulators are actively checking. In NSW, the psychosocial Code became an enforceable standard from 1 July 2026, and SafeWork NSW issued more than 80 improvement notices in its May to June 2026 program. (SafeWork NSW)

For your culture

When hazards like high workload or poor support are left unchecked, they show up as burnout, conflict, absence and people leaving.

Psychosocial hazard awareness training

For managers and leaders: what psychosocial hazards are, what employers are expected to do, how to spot early signs, and practical steps for day to day.
For employees: what psychosocial hazards are, how to raise concerns, and where to get support.

We keep it practical and human. Sessions are tailored to your workplace, delivered onsite or online, and leave people feeling more confident.

Other ways we can help. Alongside training, our leadership coaching, team workshops, critical incident support and EAP can help your people while you make changes.

Frequently asked questions

Does an EAP meet our psychosocial obligations?

Not on its own. An EAP supports people who are struggling, but employers are also expected to address hazards in how work is designed and managed.

Is training enough on its own?

Training builds understanding, and it works best as part of a broader approach to managing risks.

Do we need to be a Leapwell EAP client?

No. Our training is available to any organisation. Talk to us about psychosocial hazard training or call 1300 020 621.