Workplace stress isn’t just about meeting deadlines—it’s about how the environment impacts our mental and emotional well-being. Psychological hazards, like overwhelming workloads or poor leadership, can leave employees feeling drained and anxious. Psychosocial hazards go deeper, involving harmful interactions such as bullying, harassment, or toxic relationships at work.
ISO 45001 guides organizations to tackle these issues, prioritizing employee well-being. In the Philippines, the Mental Health Act (RA 11036) and Anti-Bullying Act (RA 10627) support this cause. By creating a positive, respectful workplace, businesses not only comply with the law but also empower happier, healthier, and more productive teams.
1. Definitions
Psychological Hazards:
- Refer to factors that affect an individual’s mental well-being directly. These include stress, anxiety, and mental fatigue caused by work demands, poor leadership, and lack of organizational support.
- Example: Excessive workload or unrealistic deadlines leading to burnout.
Psychosocial Hazards:
- Broader in scope, addressing the interplay between psychological aspects and the social environment in the workplace. They include bullying, harassment, poor workplace relationships, and organizational culture.
- Example: Workplace bullying, discrimination, or lack of peer support causing stress or isolation.
Key Distinction:
- Psychological refers to individual mental health challenges.
- Psychosocial covers both mental health and social workplace dynamics affecting well-being.
2. Relevant Philippine Laws
Psychological Hazards:
- Republic Act No. 11036 (Mental Health Act):
- Focuses on promoting mental health, providing protection for individuals with mental health conditions, and ensuring workplace practices to support mental well-being.
- Employers are required to adopt measures that prevent and address stress and mental health disorders.
Psychosocial Hazards:
- Republic Act No. 11058 (OSH Law):
- Aims to ensure a safe working environment, addressing both physical and psychosocial risks, including workplace violence and harassment.
- Data Privacy Act (RA 10173):
- Provides protection against privacy violations that may cause emotional or psychological harm, especially in cases of cyberbullying or online harassment.
- Republic Act No. 11313 (Safe Spaces Act):
- Covers all forms of harassment in both physical and online spaces, aiming to protect employees from psychosocial risks like sexual harassment and abuse.
3. Practical Examples:
| Hazard Type | Examples | Philippine Law |
|---|
| Psychological | High work pressure leading to anxiety or depression | RA 11036 (Mental Health Act) |
| Psychosocial | Workplace bullying, harassment, or poor leadership practices affecting group dynamics | RA 11058 (OSH Law), RA 11313 (Safe Spaces Act) |
Summary:
- ISO 45001 highlights the need for addressing both psychological (individual mental health) and psychosocial (workplace social dynamics) hazards.
- Philippine laws complement these principles by mandating mental health support, ensuring safe and respectful workplaces, and preventing harassment in physical and online environments.
References:
Department of Labor and Employment. (n.d.). Occupational safety and health standards. Retrieved from https://www.dole.gov.ph
Republic of the Philippines. (2012). Data privacy act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173). Official Gazette. Retrieved from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph
Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Risk. Wikipedia. Retrieved November 1, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risk
Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Risk management. Wikipedia. Retrieved November 1, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risk_management
Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Risk assessment. Wikipedia. Retrieved November 1, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risk_assessment
Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Health belief model. Wikipedia. Retrieved November 1, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_belief_model
Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Risk matrix. Wikipedia. Retrieved November 1, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risk_matrix
Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Risk appetite. Wikipedia. Retrieved November 1, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risk_appetite
No comments:
Post a Comment