A new research initiative led by Griffith University is developing evidence-based tools to help Australian workplaces identify, assess and manage psychosocial hazards, supporting both worker wellbeing and compliance with evolving workplace health and safety requirements.
The research team includes Professor Paula Brough, Director of Griffith University's Centre for Work, Organisation and Wellbeing (WOW), Professor Ashlea Troth, Deputy Director, WOW and Dr Wendy Muller.
The project, led by Professor Paula Brough, is developing two complementary tools: the Australian Psychosocial Index (API) and the Australian Psychosocial Scanning Tool (API-ST).
Psychosocial hazards are aspects of work that have the potential to cause psychological or physical harm, including factors related to job design, workplace environments, organisational practices, and workplace interactions and behaviours.
The research comes as organisations across Australia respond to growing expectations to protect workers' psychological health alongside physical safety.
Professor Brough said many organisations recognise the importance of psychosocial safety but are seeking practical, evidence-based approaches to identifying risks and prioritising interventions.
"Workplaces are increasingly aware of their responsibilities to manage psychosocial hazards, but many are still looking for reliable ways to understand where risks exist and how best to address them."
"Our goal is to provide organisations with robust, scientifically validated tools that can help them identify potential psychosocial risks early, benchmark their results, and make informed decisions that support both worker wellbeing and organisational performance."
The Australian Psychosocial Index (API) is being developed as a self-report tool that assesses workers' perceptions of the 17 psychosocial hazards identified in Australian legislation. The research team is currently validating each hazard against established psychological measures to ensure the tool is reliable and fit for purpose.
The project is also examining three emerging psychosocial hazards that are not yet formally recognised in legislation: artificial intelligence, digital work, and climate-related hazards.
Professor Brough said these emerging challenges have the potential to significantly influence worker wellbeing in the years ahead.
"The nature of work is changing rapidly. New technologies, increasing digital demands, and the impacts of climate change are creating workplace pressures that we need to understand and measure effectively," she said.
"By investigating these emerging hazards now, we're helping organisations prepare for future workforce challenges while contributing to the evidence base that informs policy and practice."
The Australian Psychosocial Scanning Tool (API-ST) complements the worker-focused API by examining organisational practices, systems and priorities related to psychosocial risk management. The tool is designed for completion by workplace leaders, business owners, human resources professionals, and workplace health and safety personnel.
Used together, the two tools will provide organisations with a comprehensive picture of psychosocial risk factors and risk management capability, supporting a practical, audit-based approach to workplace wellbeing.
Both the API and API-ST are expected to be launched in late 2026 following pilot testing and validation studies. To learn more about the project and register your interest in the project, visit the Psychosocial Safety website.
