WorkSafe launches new infographics highlighting psychosocial hazards in high-risk industries

WorkSafe Launches New Infographics Highlighting Psychosocial Hazards in High-Risk Industries

WorkSafe New Zealand has created new infographics addressing psychosocial hazards prevalent in high-risk sectors such as construction, manufacturing, forestry and agriculture, in addition to risks impacting all workers across New Zealand.

These resources give safety professionals a practical starting point for identifying psychosocial risks specific to their sector, supporting broader efforts to strengthen workplace health and safety practice.

Why These Infographics Matter for High-Risk Sectors

The safety regulator alerts businesses to their responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act, which include managing both physical and psychosocial risks. Employers in high-risk sectors, including those undertaking high-risk construction work, often face unique pressures that standard safety guidance does not fully capture.

According to WorkSafe, these infographics enable businesses to readily access and interpret information regarding psychosocial risks significant to their sector. Sharing information this way gives employers and employees a clearer framework for spotting hazards before harm occurs.

WorkSafe's Approach to Risk Management

WorkSafe recommends a four-step risk management process to help businesses apply appropriate safety measures consistently. Each infographic breaks psychosocial risks down by industry, so employees and supervisors can quickly reference the guidance relevant to their working environment.

"Sharing information like this is part of our engagement function, to empower businesses and workers to improve health and safety practice," WorkSafe said.

This approach mirrors initiatives seen elsewhere, including recent moves by regulators in Australia to tackle psychosocial hazards through updated codes of practice. Safety leaders comparing frameworks across regions can review our coverage of new codes of practice addressing psychosocial hazards in SA workplaces for additional context.

Building Stronger Safety Support Across Industries

Consistent support for workers depends on accessible, sector-specific safety guidance rather than generic advice alone. WorkSafe's infographics give businesses practical support for embedding psychosocial risk awareness into daily operations.

Organisations seeking further support in managing high-risk work can also consult our high-risk work plan templates and high-risk work licence reference list for practical documentation support alongside WorkSafe's guidance.

For safety teams tracking related regulatory activity, our reports on WorkSafe's probe into high-risk training validity in the Northern Territory and the recent WorkSafe New Zealand safety alert on working at height offer further insight into how the regulator continues strengthening safety support nationwide.

Further information is accessible here.