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
- Creation/ review of Policy(s)
Updating Wellness Strategy
Management Training Resources
Continual Improvement Activities
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.
Claire Jones
Claire Jones is a Senior Executive with Ibec Academy, bringing over 25 years of experience to her role. She began her career in Ibec’s Legal Services department, where she spent 12 years specialising in employment law.
During this time, Claire provided expert advice and support to member organisations, developed employer guidelines on information and training, and represented members before employment rights bodies.
Claire has also represented Ibec on a range of national and international committees—including at the UN, EU level, and across Government and State Agencies—focused on employment law and human resources.
In her current role with Ibec Academy, Claire serves as Programme Director for several of Ibec’s accredited programmes, with a particular focus on employment law and human resource management. She also designs and delivers training for member organisations in areas such as employment law, industrial relations, HR, and management development.
Claire’s career spans both public and private sectors. She holds qualifications in law, business, employment law, adult education, and mediation, and has earned a Master’s degree (MSc) in Human Resource Management.
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.
