Managing Psychosocial Risks and Critical Control Management this International Women's Day
As part of AusIMM's ongoing commitment to improving workplace safety and inclusivity in the mining and resources industry, we are proud to announce our upcoming workshop on Psychosocial Risk Management.
In alignment with the IWD 2025 theme, "Driving Positive Change Together," this workshop underscores our dedication to taking action—not just one day, but every day, to address psychosocial risks and critical risk controls that impact the safety, health, and well-being of our workforce.
In an industry where mental health and safety are as crucial as physical well-being, it is imperative that we focus on psychosocial hazards such as harassment, bullying, coercion, and other harmful workplace behaviours. These risks can have devastating consequences, leading to both physical and psychosocial outcomes. This critical workshop will explore these issues in depth, presenting current knowledge in psychosocial risk management and equipping participants with the tools to implement critical risk control measures that mitigate these risks.
What Are Psychosocial Risks?
Psychosocial risks refer to workplace factors that can negatively impact an individual's mental and emotional well-being. These risks arise from high job demands, poor support systems, unclear roles, and harmful behaviours like bullying and harassment. Managing psychosocial risks is essential to creating a supportive work environment where employees feel safe and valued. This issue has become increasingly relevant in industries like mining and resources, where isolated and high-pressure environments can exacerbate these risks.
Critical Risk Control in Psychosocial Risk Management
Critical risk control is a structured approach to identifying and implementing measures that prevent severe incidents, particularly those related to psychosocial hazards. By following established frameworks such as the ICMM Critical Control Management (CCM) approach, organisations can identify the most significant risks, implement effective controls, and monitor their effectiveness over time.
Our workshop will provide an overview of the ICMM Critical Control Risk Management (CCRM) process, focusing on its application to psychosocial risks. We will discuss how organisations can integrate these controls into their health and safety management systems to proactively address hazards before they escalate.
Key Takeaways from the Workshop
Participants will gain invaluable insights into how critical control approaches can be applied to manage psychosocial risks. We’ll provide a practical roadmap, guiding attendees through the process of identifying, specifying, and verifying controls for managing psychosocial hazards. By the end of the interactive hands-on workshop, you’ll be equipped to take action, creating a safer and healthier workplace for everyone.
One of the key documents we’ll explore is the Good Practice Guide from ICMM, which focuses on identifying and prioritising critical controls to prevent severe health and safety incidents. The Implementation Guide will also provide practical steps for applying these controls to ensure psychosocial risks are addressed in a structured and proactive manner. Additionally, the Safe Work Australia Code of Practice report offers guidelines on identifying, assessing, and controlling psychosocial risks like job demands, role clarity, and support, providing invaluable resources to help your organisation meet its health and safety obligations.
Why Does This Matter for IWD 2025?
At AusIMM's 7th International Women's Day Event Series, we’ll not only be celebrating the achievements of women in the mining and resources sector but also acknowledging the need for continuous action in addressing workplace risks that disproportionately affect women and underrepresented groups. Gender-based violence, harassment, and bullying remain significant barriers to safety and equality in the workplace, and our industry must continue to have these conversations and take proactive steps to tackle them.
This workshop is just one part of AusIMM’s broader effort to ensure that psychosocial risks are managed with the same rigour as physical risks. We are committed to fostering an ongoing dialogue, providing professional development opportunities, and supporting organisations in implementing effective critical risk controls. We invite everyone to join us in this important work—not just on IWD, but throughout the year—to make a tangible difference.
Driving Positive Change Together: Join Us in Taking Action
AusIMM believe that professional development and meaningful conversations are key to tackling the psychosocial risks that threaten the safety and well-being of our workforce. By attending this workshop, you’ll not only gain vital skills and knowledge but also be part of a community that is actively working to make mining and resources industries safer, healthier, and more inclusive.