Psychosocial Hazard Checker — 14 Common Hazards

High job demands (overwork)

Sustained workload above what can reasonably be done in your hours, or unrelenting time pressure.

Low job demands (boredom / underutilisation)

Work consistently below your skill level, or extended periods with little to do.

Low job control

No autonomy over how, when, or in what order tasks are done. Micromanagement.

Poor support from manager or peers

No-one to ask for help, escalation ignored, isolation when things go wrong.

Poor workplace relationships / conflict

Ongoing tension, exclusion from groups, gossip, hostility (not bullying — see separate).

Poor procedural justice

Unfair grievance handling, biased decisions, no chance to respond to concerns.

Role conflict or ambiguity

Unclear or contradictory expectations from different managers / stakeholders.

Poor change management

Restructures, role changes, or system changes handled badly — no consultation, abrupt notice.

Inadequate reward and recognition

Effort and contribution consistently unacknowledged. Pay or development opportunities don't match performance.

Traumatic events

Exposure to violence, accidents, distressing material as part of work duties (e.g. emergency services, social work, journalism).

Remote or isolated work

Working alone or without regular check-ins / support, particularly in higher-risk environments.

Violent or aggressive behaviour

Threats, intimidation, physical altercation, or aggressive customers/clients/coworkers.

Workplace bullying

Repeated unreasonable behaviour directed at an employee that creates a risk to health and safety.

Harassment (including sexual harassment)

Unwelcome conduct that a reasonable person would find offensive, humiliating, or intimidating.

Poor physical environment

Hazardous or unpleasant conditions — e.g. extreme temperatures, noise, poor lighting or air, or hazardous equipment — that add to stress.