A new EY framework simplifies psychosocial hazard management, reducing unnecessary complexity and costs for organisations tackling PSR

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In brief:

• The current ‘more is better’ approach to psychosocial risk (PSR) has sent risk registers out of control, increasing the cost and burden of mitigation.
• A new EY framework cuts through complexity to sort psychosocial hazards into six categories, creating an accurate, measurable and manageable PSR profile.
• By focusing on the causal relationships between hazards and harm, organisations can implement effective, tailored controls to protect their workforce and meet their obligations.

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Psychosocial risk management is now a core part of workplace safety – with high stakes for compliance, cost and workforce wellbeing. But current practice is failing to keep up.

Many organisations are taking a ‘more is better’ approach, compiling long lists of hazards that blur the line between risks and controls. This creates confusion, weakens oversight and undermines the purpose of PSR governance: to prevent harm.

A False Sense of Security from an Overly Complex Approach

The unchecked expansion of psychosocial hazards on risk registers creates a false sense of thoroughness. In reality, it dilutes focus, increases administrative burden, and makes it harder to pinpoint and address real risks. Overlapping entries, vague terminology and mislabelled controls only serve to obscure what matters.

To manage psychosocial risk effectively, organisations must prioritise clarity, consistency and context – starting with a framework that defines hazards properly and keeps the risk register fit for purpose.

A New Framework to Simplify and Strengthen PSR Compliance

EY teams have developed a new framework to help organisations move from list-based compliance to focused, fit-for-purpose oversight. By understanding the difference between hazards and control failures, and organising systems under six evidence-based hazard categories, businesses can take a simpler, more strategic approach to psychosocial safety.

Boards, executives and WHS teams gain a clearer understanding of how they are supporting their employees and whether they are managing their PSR effectively.

The article was first published by EY.

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