From Risk to Respect: Leading Psychosocial Safety in the Modern Workplace

In today’s workplaces, managing risk goes beyond physical safety—it includes proactively identifying and addressing psychosocial hazards such as bullying, harassment, role overload, and low job control. The introduction of the Respect@Work reforms and the Positive Duty under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) has shifted the focus toward preventative action. Under both WHS legislation and anti-discrimination law, organisations must now take “reasonable and proportionate” steps to eliminate risks to psychological safety—before harm occurs.  

Understanding Risk: Tools and Frameworks 

Effective risk management begins with clear tools for identifying hazards. Psychosocial risk assessments, staff surveys, complaint trend data, and pulse checks are all critical in highlighting where issues may arise. However, tools alone aren’t enough. Risk management must be embedded into day-to-day leadership practice. That’s why leaders at all levels—especially people leaders—must be equipped to identify risks early and take action to prevent harm. 

People leaders are on the frontline of workplace culture. They need to know how to recognise risks—whether it’s a team member struggling with workload, signs of exclusion, or escalating interpersonal conflict. Importantly, they also need the tools and confidence to respond early. This is where prevention becomes practical: noticing the signs, starting the conversation, setting clear expectations, and involving the right support when needed. 

How Intersection Can Help 

At Intersection, we help organisations move from compliance to best practice. Our Safety@Work suite of courses is designed to support leaders in meeting their legal obligations under the Positive Duty and WHS legislation. We provide practical, evidence-based training, resources and toolkits tailored for boards, executives, HR and risk professionals, and people leaders. 

Whether it’s conducting psychosocial hazard assessments, upskilling your leaders in preventative conversations, or designing safe workplace systems, Intersection equips your organisation to lead confidently—and in full compliance of the law. 

Intersection has a range of advisory and education offerings to support you meet and exceed your leadership obligations. Reach out to Talk to us today.