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What This Checklist Is
This checklist is a practical self-review tool that helps businesses reflect on how psychosocial hazards are identified and managed in their workplace. It is commonly used during internal reviews, planning activities, or improvement discussions where work demands, interactions, or organisational factors may affect people’s wellbeing. The checklist is intended for owners, managers, and supervisors who want a clear way to sense-check how work health and safety is managed beyond physical risks.
It is a practical review tool, not a compliance test and not legal advice.
How This Checklist Relates to the Code of Practice
A WHS Code of Practice describes accepted ways of managing Work Health and Safety risks in Australia. This checklist reflects the key themes of the Code by focusing on how psychosocial hazards are identified, risks are assessed, and controls are applied in everyday work. Answering “Yes” and “No” helps highlight where current practices support workplace safety and where gaps or weaknesses may exist.
The checklist supports understanding of good practice without claiming legal alignment.
Why Use a Code of Practice Checklist?
Psychosocial risks are often less visible than physical hazards and can be harder to recognise early. A checklist like this helps clarify what “good practice” looks like in managing factors such as workload, role clarity, and workplace interactions. It supports early identification of weak or missing controls and helps businesses set clearer priorities for improvement.
It also supports more informed discussions with workers, advisors, or inspectors about workplace safety.
Key Features
Simple Yes / No checklist format
Written in plain English
Designed for Australian WHS Codes of Practice
Suitable for small and medium businesses
How to Use This Checklist
Work through the questions honestly, based on how work is actually experienced rather than how it is intended to be organised. The checklist is most useful when answers reflect real work pressures, communication, and support.
Treat “No” answers as areas needing further attention. Use the results to prioritise practical actions and revisit the checklist when work activities, structures, or risks change.
What Inspectors Commonly Expect to See
Inspectors generally focus on how psychosocial risks are identified and managed in practice, not just on written policies. They look for evidence that work-related stressors are recognised, risks are considered, and steps are taken to reduce harm. Tools like this checklist support informed decision-making by showing that psychosocial hazards have been actively reviewed.
Action and understanding usually matter more than paperwork alone. Inspectors often want to see that issues raised lead to practical changes.
Notes or action lists from checklist reviews
Changes made to risk controls or work practices
Records showing issues were identified and addressed
FAQs
What are psychosocial hazards?
They are aspects of work that can cause psychological harm, such as excessive workload, poor support, unclear roles, or negative interactions. The checklist helps review how these risks are managed in practice.
Is this checklist only for high-stress workplaces?
No. Psychosocial risks can exist in any workplace, including small businesses and low-risk industries. The checklist helps identify issues early, before they escalate.
Does completing the checklist mean psychosocial risks are controlled?
No. The checklist helps identify strengths and gaps but does not control risks on its own. It supports review, discussion, and improvement.
When should psychosocial risks be reviewed?
Reviews are useful when work changes, concerns are raised, or teams are restructured. Many businesses also review periodically to maintain awareness.
Articles and Further Reading
Regulation s55A–s55D – Psychosocial Risks – Establishes duties to identify, assess, and control psychosocial hazards arising from work design, management, and organisational factors.
Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work – Provides practical guidance on recognising psychosocial hazards, assessing risks, and implementing appropriate control measures.
About the Author
About the Author
Nathan Owen
Nathan has worked in construction for 15 years, primarily in health and safety and site management. He has frontline experience including operating plant and machinery and post-graduate qualifications in health and safety.