Summary
Psychosocial Risk Assessment refers to the process of identifying, evaluating, and managing workplace factors that may negatively impact employees' mental health and overall well-being. Psychosocial risks are hazards within the work environment that stem from work organisation, work design, management practices, and social factors in the workplace, including work demands, job control, interpersonal relationships, and the balance between work and personal life.
Employers are legally required under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 to assess and mitigate risks, including those that affect employees' psychological well-being.
The programme will adopt a multidisciplinary approach to ensure all stakeholders that are involved in this process gain an understanding of the requirements, risk assessment techniques, and best practice controls to optimise employee health and wellness in their organisations.
At the end of the programme participants will:
- Understand the concept of psychosocial risks and their impact on employee health and workplace productivity
- Reference compliance and best practice requirements
- Be able to identify common workplace psychosocial hazards and assess their effects
- Review methods to evaluate psychosocial risks using established frameworks and assessment tools (including the HSA Work Positive Tool)
- Develop basic skills in creating action plans to address identified psychosocial risks
This programme is for:
HR professionals, OSH professionals, Employee Wellness professionals, Occupational Health practitioners, People Managers, and Team Leaders.
Approach
This programme has an interactive approach involving slides, case studies, group work and panel discussions.
Programme Schedule
Understanding Psychosocial Risks
- Define psychosocial risks, including common hazards (e.g., job insecurity, workload, lack of support, bullying etc)
- Understand HR related requirements such as Absence Management, Sick Leave implications and use of Occupational Health service
- Identify potential psychosocial hazards based on provided scenarios
Psychosocial Risk Assessment Tools and Techniques
- Understand the basic concepts of risk management
- Overview of psychosocial risk assessment methods, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, and observation [insert bullet points here]
- Conduct a mock assessment using a sample tool, followed by group discussions on insights gained.
Interpreting Results and Creating Action Plans
- How to interpret assessment results to prioritise risks and develop intervention strategies.
- Create Action Plans based on Risk Assessment Results
- Case Study Analysis and Group Discussion
Programme Facilitators
Elaine Bowers
Elaine has over twenty five year’s experience working in the area of Environment Health and Safety- including five years working in Ibec's Employer Relations Division and now in Ibec Academy as a Senior Commercial EHS Executive.
She is an alternate employer representative on the European Commissions’ Advisory Committee on Safety & Health (ACSH).
Elaine has particular interest in the cross-over between OSH and the Human Resources function, as well as EHS Management Systems and Corporate Sustainability.
She holds an MSc in Applied Environmental Sciences, a BSc in Environmental Health, a H Dip in Occupational Safety & Health and a Diploma in Employment Law.
Louise Dennison
Louise is the Director of Mental Health and Well Being at EHS International and founder of The Dennison Training Academy. Louise is a multifaceted expert in workplace well-being with extensive experience in improving mental health awareness and promoting a healthier work environment. As a Workplace Wellbeing Thought Leader, Consultant, and Advanced Mental Health Instructor, she is committed to addressing key workplace challenges such as productivity, health, safety, relationships, work-life balance, attendance, and overall job satisfaction. Her expertise includes writing mental health workplace policies and providing training to help organisations and employees combat anxiety, burnout, and other mental health issues.
In addition to her role as a researcher and speaker, Louise brings a hands-on approach as a Registered EMT, combining practical knowledge with her passion for mental health advocacy.
Claire Jones
Claire is a Senior Executive working in Ibec Academy. Claire has worked in Ibec for more than 20 years and worked in the Legal Department within Ibec prior to moving into Ibec Academy. Claire is currently lead trainer and course Director on a number of diploma, certificate and short programmes for Ibec Academy. She specialises in the areas of employment law, human resource management and industrial relations.
Patricia Murray
Patricia is an Independent Organisational Psychologist. She has worked as the professional Senior Work and Organisational Psychologist inspector at the Health and Safety Authority (HSA). She directed and managed the national psychosocial Programme of Work. She designed, developed and lead the work-related stress and bullying portfolios and initiatives focused on increased employee well-being, using evidence-based behavioural science to inform targeted safety behaviour change nationally across all industry sectors.
Patricia was the HSA nominee on the Govt. Task Force on Workplace Bullying Prevention and Govt. Expert Advisory Group. She has widely presented at national and international level: conferences, stakeholder meetings and research platforms on various aspects of workplace behaviour and continues to provide expertise on behalf of the HSA, to various national and EU bodies.
