Observe work and behavioursObserve work and behaviours

Observe work and behaviours

Psychosocial hazards may be identified by observing:

\- the workplace (e.g. are workers isolated or exposed to poor conditions)
\- the work and how work is performed in practice (e.g. are workers rushed, is work delayed, do certain tasks result in confusion or frequent mistakes), and
\- how people interact with each other (e.g. are workers, customers and clients respectful, or are harmful behaviours present).

In some circumstances, poor workplace behaviours may be caused or contributed to by an inappropriate response to other psychosocial hazards, such as high job demands, lack of role clarity and inadequate support. Also consider whether the workplace culture supports or tolerates harmful behaviours, including lower level (but still harmful) behaviours like name-calling, teasing, sexual or gendered jokes, dark humour and crude language.