As workplaces evolve, so do health and safety risks. On April 28th, for World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2026, the focus is on psychosocial risks in the workplace, and how organisations can better protect employee wellbeing.
What are Psychosocial risks in the workplace?
Psychosocial risks are linked to how work is designed and managed. These risks directly impact mental health, wellbeing, and workplace performance.
Common examples include:
- Excessive workload and long working hours
- Poor communication and lack of support
- Unclear roles and responsibilities
- Limited autonomy and control
If not addressed, these risks can lead to stress, burnout, absenteeism, and reduced productivity.
Why Psychosocial risk management matters
Managing psychosocial risks is essential for modern businesses. Poor workplace wellbeing can negatively affect:
- Employee engagement and morale
- Staff retention and absenteeism
- Overall business performance
Implementing a structured approach, such as ISO 45001 occupational health and safety management systems, helps organisations proactively manage these risks.
How does ISO 45001 help manage Psychosocial Risks?
ISO 45001 is the international standard for occupational health and safety management systems, designed to improve workplace safety and employee wellbeing.
With ISO 45001, organisations can:
- Identify and assess psychosocial risks in the workplace
- Implement effective health and safety controls
- Improve communication and leadership accountability
- Encourage employee participation in safety processes
- Drive continual improvement in workplace health and safety
Embedding psychosocial risk management into ISO 45001 ensures a proactive, compliant, and long-term approach to employee wellbeing.
How ISO 45003 and ISO 45001 work together
ISO 45003:2021 complements ISO 45001 by providing specific guidance on managing psychological health and psychosocial risks within an occupational health and safety management system. It helps organisations address factors such as excessive workloads, poor communication, limited employee control, workplace relationships and poorly managed change.
The guidance has become increasingly relevant following recent HSE announcements calling for workplace health—including mental health—to be managed with the same rigour as physical safety, with greater emphasis on leadership accountability, prevention and worker involvement. While ISO 45003 is a guidance standard rather than a replacement for ISO 45001, using the two together can support a more structured and proactive approach to employee wellbeing.
Can ISO 45001 improve workplace wellbeing?
A safe workplace goes beyond physical protection. Addressing mental health and psychosocial risks is key to building a resilient organisation.
By implementing ISO 45001 certification, businesses can:
- Strengthen workplace culture
- Improve employee wellbeing
- Enhance operational performance
At IMSM, we support organisations through every step of ISO 45001 implementation and certification, ensuring psychosocial risks are effectively managed.
View all the ISO certification services we offer.
FAQs
What are psychosocial risks in the workplace?
Psychosocial risks are factors related to work design and management that impact mental health, such as stress, workload, and lack of support.
Does ISO 45001 include mental health and wellbeing?
Yes, ISO 45001 covers psychosocial risks as part of a comprehensive occupational health and safety management system.
How does ISO 45001 improve workplace health and safety?
It provides a structured framework to identify risks, implement controls, and continuously improve safety performance.
Why is psychosocial risk management important?
It improves employee wellbeing, reduces absenteeism, and enhances productivity.
How can IMSM help with ISO 45001 certification?
IMSM offers expert consultancy to help organisations achieve ISO 45001 certification and improve workplace health and safety.
Ready to improve workplace health and safety?
Speak to IMSM about achieving ISO 45001 certification and managing psychosocial risks effectively.
