Psycho Social Climate Surveys
Most states have already introduced psycho-social health regulations, and Victoria has announced plans to launch similar regulations by end of this year.
To help understand if your employees have significant concerns in this area we suggest conducting a preliminary survey as an initial step. We discuss some simple survey tools in this article.
Level 1 Survey – Per Regulated Topics
The WHS Regulations specify four categories of psycho-social hazards.
The WHS Regulations require these topics to be managed by the prescribed risk management process eg identify hazards, assessment and control.
A level 1 WHS climate survey could simply ask:
“Do you have any significant concerns about:
i) Design or management of your work, or
ii) Your work environment, or
iii) Plant or equipment you use, or
iv) Workplace interactions or behaviours of others?
If so please explain the nature or source of your concern.”
The draft Victorian OHS regulations create five psychological hazard categories.
A level 1 OHS climate survey could start by asking:
“Do you have any significant concerns at work about:
1) Bullying,
2) Sexual harassment,
3) Aggression or violence,
4) Exposure to traumatic content or events, or
5) Job demands eg unreasonable demands which frequently exceeds your skill or capacity?
If so please explain the nature or source of your concern.”
Note: The four WHS psycho-social hazard topics all appear to fit under (5) Job Demands of the draft Victorian regulations, and therefore the Victorian climate questions could likely serve all states as an initial survey tool.
Level 2 Survey – Detailed Topics
There are various state Codes of Practice on this topic which provide details of each psycho-social hazard category. These details could simply be added to the level 1 survey above as sub-topic questions, as desired.
For example, the “job demands” question could have sub-questions such as “is there; high or low job demands, low control of job or tasks, poor support, low job clarity, remote or isolated work, or low recognition and reward”.
Level 3 Survey - Online Tests with Score and Coping Strategies
In mature cultures where workers trust the managers and supervisors are trying to help them, a more detailed online confidential psychological mental health test could be offered.
Below is an example of one such test available free online here.
Psychological Mental Health Test
Strongly Agree Midly Agree Neutral Midly Disagree Strongly Disagree
1. I feel overwhelmed by my emotions.
2. I am able to handle the level of stress I experience.
3. I have physical symptoms of anxiety.
4. I have strong relationships with people I care about.
5. I’ve made many terrible decisions in my life.
6. I am very self-critical.
7. I cannot get beyond long-past traumatic events or significant losses.
8. I am able to identify and express my emotions.
9. I trust that if I confide in others, they will be supportive.
10. I engage in at least one behaviour that significantly impairs my ability to function on a daily basis.
11. When I experience a strong emotion, I usually know why it is hitting me.
12. My mood is stable.
13. I procrastinate and or avoid dealing with important things in my life.
14. I often feel sad.
15. I have a sense of purpose in life.
16. I am lonely.
17. I get upset or angry easily.
18. I’ve noticed changes in appetite or sleep patterns relative to when I was at my best.
19. I’m able to bounce back from set-backs.
20. I manage my time and obligations. Most days life feels under control.
SCORING (5 Best to 1 Bad):
<40 Struggling
<55 Struggling Somewhat
>55 Coping
>75 Coping Well
>90 Flourishing
This online test provides the individual with a score and offers tips and strategies based on their answers. For example, the online test might offer practical self-help tips like;
“You are harder on yourself than you are on others, why not extend the same kindness and understanding to yourself?”
Another potentially helpful psycho-social climate survey is the “HSR Tool – Hazard Survey”, which essentially tracks responses to the Vic OHS draft psychological hazards categories, and provides a scoring system which can help flag “problem pockets” or widespread concerns.
View full copy of HSR Psychosocial Hazard Tool here.
Codes of Practice and Standard on Psychosocial Health
Australian Standard AS/NZS 45003:2021 OHS management – Psychological Health & Safety at Work – Guidelines for Managing Psychosocial Risks.
State Codes of Practice:
NSW Managing Psychosocial Health 2021
Qld Managing Psychosocial Health 2022
WA Psychosocial Hazards 2022
NT Managing WHS Risks 2020
National Guidance (SWA Codes):
Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work 2022.
Work-Related Psychosocial H&S – A systematic approach to meeting your duties 2019.
