Psychosocial hazards in Queensland workplaces: a guide for employers

What is a psychosocial hazard?

Section 55A of the Regulation defines a psychosocial hazard as 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. A psychosocial risk is a risk to the health or safety of a worker or other person from a psychosocial hazard (section 55B).

What are the common psychosocial hazards?

WorkSafe Queensland lists the common hazards explored in the Code:

1. high or low job demands
2. low job control
3. poor support
4. low role clarity
5. poor change management
6. low reward and recognition
7. poor organisational justice
8. poor workplace relationships and interpersonal conflict
9. remote or isolated work
10. poor environmental conditions
11. traumatic events
12. violence and aggression
13. bullying
14. harassment, including sexual harassment.

What must employers do?

Section 55C requires a PCBU to manage psychosocial risks, and section 55D sets out matters to consider when deciding control measures. In practice that means the familiar risk management cycle, done in consultation with workers:

1. identify hazards (for example through consultation, surveys, incident and complaint data)
2. assess the risks
3. control the risks, eliminating them where reasonably practicable and otherwise minimising them
4. review the controls.

Is the Code legally binding?

The Code is an approved code of practice under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011. WorkSafe Queensland says codes of practice are enforceable under Queensland WHS laws, and duty holders may use another method only if it provides an equivalent or higher standard of protection. The Code does not create new duties or expand existing ones; it explains how to meet them.

What changed on 1 September 2026?

WorkSafe Queensland updated seven codes of practice, including the psychosocial hazards Code, from 1 September 2026. It says the changes align Queensland’s codes with national model code changes on sexual harassment and psychosocial risk regulations, improve readability and update references, without adding regulatory burden. WorkSafe also says the psychosocial hazards Code has been amended to reference updated processes and timeframes for dispute and issue resolution. Check the current version of the Code on WorkSafe Queensland’s website.

How do complaints and investigations fit in?

Complaints are one of the main ways psychosocial hazards come to light. Bullying, harassment, conflict, and violence and aggression are all listed hazards, and a fair investigation helps you understand what happened and choose the right controls. But the process itself matters: “poor organisational justice” is a listed hazard. Complaints that are ignored, delayed, or handled inconsistently or unfairly can add to the harm. Prompt, impartial, procedurally fair handling reduces that risk.

Who is not covered?

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).

How BION Partners can help

BION Partners investigates reports of bullying, harassment, conflict and violence, audits how complaints are handled through the BION Audit, and provides culture and HR training. See psychosocial hazards.

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.

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)

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