Psychosocial hazards can sound like “people stuff” — the kind of thing that sits in HR. And to be fair, how people are treated and supported is a big part of what makes a farm business run well. 

The difference is this: psychosocial hazards are now also a WHS issue. And unlike physical risks, they’re often hidden, ignored or written off as a “them problem” until something goes wrong. 

In simple terms, psychosocial hazards are work factors that can affect someone’s mental health and safety at work. Not personality. Not “being tough enough”. The work part. 

On farms, it can look like: 

• long hours, fatigue and constant time pressure 
• unclear roles and expectations 
• poor supervision, particularly for new or seasonal workers 
• conflict in small teams and communication breakdowns 
• bullying, harassment or inappropriate behaviour (including sexual harassment) 
• isolation and lack of support when working remotely.

What’s changed is this: psychosocial hazards are now being treated Australia-wide as a WHS compliance issue, not a wellbeing extra. Regulators expect businesses to manage these risks like any other hazard — identify them, put controls in place, review them and keep basic records that show what you’re doing. 

This isn’t about turning farmers into counsellors. It’s about tightening up the work conditions that lead to stress, unsafe shortcuts, mistakes and people leaving the industry. 

Three simple ways to stay ahead of risk: 

1.Name the pressure points  

Ask where things tend to go off the rails — peak periods, long shifts, understaffing, poor handovers, tension in the team. If it’s creating stress and increasing risk, it’s worth addressing. 

2. Set clear expectations and communicate them 

Most solutions are practical: clear roles, better supervision, proper breaks and a simple way for people to raise issues early. Just as important is setting the standard on behaviour. When expectations are clear — including around bullying, harassment and sexual harassment — it becomes easier to step in early and stop issues becoming “normal”. 

3. Document what you’re doing 

This doesn’t need to be paperwork overload. A short note of what you’ve identified, what you changed and how you’ll review it. If something goes wrong, being able to show you took reasonable steps matters. 

Different states have different guidance and Codes of Practice relating to Psychosocial Hazards. A question worth considering on any farm is this: if a worker raised a concern tomorrow, could you show the steps you’ve taken to manage it? 

 WHS Support 

Need help navigating a WHS issue or strengthening your safety systems?  

Ingham & Co is offering growers a free On-Farm Safety Review valued at $3,000+gst (travel costs apply). Get in touch here