When it comes to reducing workers’ risk of physical injury, don’t ignore psychosocial safety. And when it comes to reducing workers’ risk of mental injury, don’t forget about physical safety.
This is the message from a study led by Dr. Peter Smith, president and senior scientist at the Institute for Work & Health (IWH). It found that poor psychosocial safety at work, and poor physical safety at work, combine to increase risk of both work-related mental health and physical injuries.
“Research has already shown how a positive psychosocial environment, where workers feel like their wellbeing is prioritized, results in lower stress and better mental health,” says Smith. “Working in physically dangerous environments is also seen as a psychosocial stressor. What we wanted to know is whether psychosocial stress, when combined with physical hazards, affects workers’ injury risk.”
The study, lead authored by Marta Pienkowski, IWH research analyst, is now published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine (doi:10.1002/ajim.70049).
Key messages
- Psychosocial safety reflects how committed an organization is to supporting workers’ mental health and wellbeing.
- Workers who perceive low psychosocial safety are more than twice as likely to experience a work-related physical or mental health injury compared to those in supportive environments.
- Workers exposed to hazards without sufficient protections face more than three times the risk of injury.
- Preventing workplace injuries requires attention to both psychosocial and physical safety factors.
Why psychosocial safety matters
Reducing workplace injuries isn’t only about physical hazards—it also involves the psychological and social environment at work. Research led by the Institute for Work & Health (IWH) highlights that when workers feel their wellbeing is valued, they tend to experience lower stress and better mental health outcomes.
The study explored how psychosocial risks—such as stress, lack of support, or poor communication—interact with physical workplace hazards. Findings show that when both types of risks are present, the likelihood of injury increases significantly.
What is psychosocial safety?
Psychosocial safety refers to how effectively an organization protects workers’ psychological and social wellbeing. It includes leadership commitment, clear communication, and systems that allow employees to raise concerns safely.
Examples of psychosocial hazards include:
- Excessive workloads or unrealistic deadlines
- Low job control or micromanagement
- Lack of training, tools, or support
- Exposure to traumatic events
- Poor communication or unclear roles
- Workplace harassment, discrimination, or unfair treatment
A strong psychosocial safety climate doesn’t mean these risks don’t exist—it means the organization actively works to identify and reduce them.
How the study was conducted
Researchers surveyed approximately 1,000 workers in British Columbia. They measured psychosocial safety using a validated questionnaire and assessed exposure to physical hazards and workplace protections using another established tool.
Participants also reported whether they had missed work due to a physical or psychological injury within the past year.
Key findings on injury risk
Impact of psychosocial safety
Workers in low psychosocial safety environments had more than double the risk of both physical and mental health injuries compared to those in supportive workplaces.
Impact of workplace hazards and protections
Workers exposed to hazards without proper protections had roughly three times the risk of injury.
Combined effects
The highest risks occurred when poor psychosocial safety and high exposure to hazards were present together:
- Up to 10 times higher risk of psychological injury
- Nearly 5 times higher risk of physical injury
Even when only one risk factor was present, injury likelihood still increased.
Implications for employers
The findings emphasize that workplace safety strategies must address both physical and psychological risks together. Focusing on only one aspect is not enough to effectively prevent injuries.
To improve psychosocial safety, organizations should:
- Demonstrate leadership commitment from senior management
- Communicate clearly about safety and wellbeing
- Encourage worker participation in identifying risks
- Ensure employees feel safe speaking up about concerns
Strong occupational health and safety practices form the foundation for improving both mental and physical wellbeing at work.
Reference
Institute for Work & Health (2026). Lower injury rates found when workers feel their workplace prioritizes their wellbeing. Available at: Read the full article