Psychosocial hazards: investigating reports and fixing the process

What is a psychosocial hazard?

Under Queensland’s Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011, a psychosocial hazard is a hazard that arises from or relates to work design or management, the work environment, plant at a workplace, or workplace interactions or behaviours, and that may cause psychological harm, whether or not it also causes physical harm. Psychosocial risk is the risk to health or safety from a psychosocial hazard.

WorkSafe Queensland lists common psychosocial hazards covered by the Code, including:

• High or low job demands
• Low job control
• Poor support
• Low role clarity
• Poor change management
• Low reward and recognition
• Poor organisational justice
• Poor workplace relationships and interpersonal conflict
• Remote or isolated work
• Poor environmental conditions
• Traumatic events
• Violence and aggression
• Bullying
• Harassment, including sexual harassment

Where do investigations fit in managing psychosocial risk?

Many psychosocial hazards come to light through complaints. Bullying, harassment, interpersonal conflict, and violence and aggression are all named in the Code, and each can be the subject of a workplace investigation. A fair investigation helps you understand what happened and decide on control measures.

The process matters as much as the outcome. Poor organisational justice is itself a listed hazard: complaints that are ignored, handled inconsistently or investigated unfairly can add to the harm. That is why independence and procedural fairness are central to how we work.

How BION Partners helps

• Bullying and harassment investigations and sexual harassment investigations
• Investigations into workplace violence, misconduct and conflict
• The BION Audit of how complaints are reported, investigated and resolved
• Post-investigation culture work: training for managers and HR on complaint best practice and conflict resolution

BION Partners does not provide workers compensation services.

Key dates for Queensland employers

Do these rules apply at mines?

WorkSafe Queensland says the Code does not apply to some mining and resources workplaces, which are regulated by Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ), or to Commonwealth departments and APS agencies (covered by Comcare). If you operate in the resources sector, see workplace investigations in the Bowen Basin.

Full guide: psychosocial hazards in Queensland workplaces.

General information only. This page explains the law in general terms and is not legal advice. For advice about your situation, speak with a lawyer.

Frequently asked questions

Is the psychosocial hazards Code of Practice enforceable?

It is an approved code of practice under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld). WorkSafe Queensland says codes of practice are enforceable under Queensland WHS laws, and duty holders can use another method only if it gives an equivalent or higher standard of protection. The Code does not create new duties.

Is a complaint investigation a control measure?

It can be part of one. Investigating a report helps you understand the hazard and decide what controls are needed, such as changes to work design, supervision, training or disciplinary action.

Sources

1. WorkSafe Queensland: Managing the risk of psychosocial hazards at work Code of Practice 2022
2. WorkSafe Queensland: Updates to work health and safety codes of practice (September 2026)
3. Work Health and Safety (Psychosocial Risks) Amendment Regulation 2022 (Qld)
4. Work Health and Safety (Sexual Harassment) Amendment Regulation 2024 (Qld)
5. WorkSafe Queensland: Sexual harassment and sex or gender-based harassment

Checked 22 October 2026. Laws and guidance change; check the source before relying on it.