In Australia, recent developments have highlighted emerging psychosocial hazards in the workplace, particularly concerning worker privacy. The introduction of the Commonwealth Code of Practice: Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work identifies intrusive surveillance as a significant psychosocial hazard. Comcare This includes excessive monitoring of employees’ activities, which can lead to increased stress and anxiety.
Unions, represented by the Victorian Trades Hall Council, are also advocating for a ban on employers surveilling workers’ social media accounts, highlighting concerns over excessive and intimidating workplace surveillance. news Such practices are increasingly recognised as psychosocial hazards that can negatively impact workers’ mental health.
Employers are now required to manage these risks by implementing appropriate control measures to eliminate or minimise exposure to such hazards. Safe Work Australia This includes respecting worker privacy and ensuring that surveillance practices do not contribute to a harmful work environment.
Reference List
- (n.d.). Managing psychosocial hazards at work. Retrieved from https://www.comcare.gov.au/safe-healthy-work/prevent-harm/changes-to-whs-laws
- com.au. (2024). Push to ban bosses’ social media trawling. Retrieved from https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/technology/union-group-takes-aim-at-bosses-social-media-trawling/news-story/a0575afaa26f9a7593429e40c5cd332d
- Safe Work Australia. (n.d.). Psychosocial hazards. Retrieved from https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/managing-health-and-safety/mental-health/psychosocial-hazards