Access to our Brisbane, Canberra and Melbourne offices is currently restricted. To visit us at these locations, call 1300 366 979 to arrange an appointment.

Poor physical environment

For: Employers and managers Information seekers

Exposure to unpleasant, poor quality or hazardous working environments or conditions can have a negative impact on workers' health.


What is a poor physical environment?

Poor physical environments may include:

  • performing hazardous tasks
  • working in hazardous conditions
  • performing demanding work while wearing uncomfortable PPE or other equipment
  • workplace conditions that affect concentration or ability to complete tasks
  • 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 have been identified as a hazard in the Model Code of Practice: Managing psychosocial hazards at work.

This guidance will help you meet your obligation under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011.

Training on psychological health and safety

Training on mentally healthy workplaces

We provide training through our learning management system called Comcare LMS.

To access our training, you first need to create an account in Comcare LMS (see the steps to create an account). Then, select the training item that you are interested in and login with your email and password.

For more information about the training we offer, see Training and learning.

Page last reviewed: 18 August 2022

Comcare
GPO Box 9905, Canberra, ACT 2601
1300 366 979 | www.comcare.gov.au

Date printed 20 Apr 2024

https://www.comcare.gov.au/safe-healthy-work/prevent-harm/psychosocial-hazards/poor-physical-environment