17 Psychosocial risks
Poor Physical Environment
Exposure to unpleasant, poor quality or hazardous working environments or conditions can have a negative impact on workers' health.
A poor physical environment becomes a psychosocial hazard when it is severe (for example, very poor or hazardous), prolonged (for example, poor long term) or frequent (for example, often poor).
Poor physical environments may include:
performing hazardous tasks such as working at heights
working in hazardous conditions
performing demanding work while wearing uncomfortable Personal Protective Equipment or other equipment
workplace conditions that affect concentration or ability to complete tasks such as uncomfortable temperatures or poor lighting
unpleasant workplace conditions such as poorly maintained amenities, unpleasant smells or loud music
working with poorly maintained equipment
work-related accommodation, facilities and amenities that cause or contribute to worker fatigue.
Poor physical environments can cause a stress response which when frequent, prolonged or severe may cause physical or psychological injury to a worker. Poor physical environments or conditions may exist as a hazard in isolation, however often this will occur in combination with other psychosocial hazards at work (which combined may increase risk of harm).
Like all work health and safety risks, the risks associated with exposure to poor environmental conditions must be managed.
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Please note that the information on this page is based on guidance from Comcare’s psychosocial resources. Definitions, terminology, and regulatory expectations may vary by state, territory, or country. Each psychosocial risk has its own dedicated page, and ReFresh is designed to adapt to the specific regulations and frameworks that apply in your jurisdiction, supporting organisations operating across different regions worldwide.