ISO guidelines for managing psychosocial risks available - ISO 45003

Hazards of a psychosocial nature have increasing importance and impact in organisations and they include aspects of work organization, social factors at work, work environment, equipment and hazardous tasks. Companies and other organisations shall consider psychosocial risk, as a combination of the likelihood of occurrence of exposure to the work-related hazard(s) of a psychosocial nature and the severity of injury and ill-health that can be caused by these hazards. Hazards of a psychosocial nature can include, amongst others, aspects related to work organization, social factors at work, work environment, equipment and hazardous tasks.

Many national laws cover psychosocial risks, so organisations have to ensure well-being at work, and consider the physical, mental, social and cognitive needs and expectations of workers (employees) related to their work. In any case, should legislation apply or not, organisations shall consider, manage and implement the right measures to create wellbeing and safety in their workplaces (or even when the employee is homeworking).

ISO 45003:2021 is an international standard developed by the International Standardization Organization (ISO) allowing organizations to manage psychosocial risk at work, in particular, to be considered within occupational health and safety (OH&S) management systems based on ISO 45001. ISO 45003:2021 standard is available in English and Spanish languages and it facilitates organizations in general to prevent work-related injury and ill health of their workers and other interested parties and to promote well-being at work. It is applicable to organizations of all sizes and in all sectors, for the development, implementation, maintenance and continual improvement of healthy and safe workplaces.