Workplace safety is about more than hard hats and safety rails. Under New Zealand’s Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, employers must manage psychosocial risks at work — not just physical ones. The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) defines ‘health’ as physical and mental health.

Businesses must consult with workers when making decisions about how to manage health and safety risks related to their work and this includes psychosocial risks. Psychosocial risks at work can harm a worker’s physical and mental health. They can be present in any industry, and everyone has a part to play.

The trouble is, these risks can be harder to spot than physical dangers. Here’s a simple checklist to bring hidden hazards to light:

• Clarity: Would a new hire understand what’s expected of them in their first week? If not, review job descriptions and inductions to make sure roles are clear from day one.
• Workload check: Are schedules and deadlines realistic? Look out for red flags, like staff regularly working late or frequently swapping schedules.
• Feedback: How do employees raise concerns around company culture, bullying, or lack of support? From one-on-one check-ins to team discussions to anonymous surveys, multiple channels help issues surface early.
• Recognition: Do you let your people know their efforts matter? Celebrating milestones and acknowledging good work in real time builds morale and reduces the risk of burnout.

Supporting psychosocial health is a big responsibility. Not sure where to start? Get in touch, and we’ll connect you with trusted resources and professionals who can help.