Australia
Psychosocial risk assessment tools for Australian workplaces
Short answer: Most Australian employers can start with a free tool. WorkSafe Victoria compares three: COPSOQ III, an internationally validated questionnaire for any size of organisation; the APHIRM toolkit, for organisations with at least 20 employees, covering physical and psychosocial hazards together; and ADDRESS, for Australian Public Service agencies. All three are free. PHReD-T, published by SafeWork NSW, helps you redesign work once you know the hazards.
How to choose a tool
Ask four questions before you pick one:
- What do you need to find out? A broad picture across the organisation, or detail about one team or one hazard?
- Who are your workers? Desk-based staff can do a 20-minute online survey. Shift, frontline and casual staff may need something shorter that works on any phone.
- How often do you need to hear from people? Once a year, or every few weeks?
- Who will act on the results? Every tool needs someone to consult workers, agree controls and review them.
Free tools compared
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| Tool | Who it's for | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| COPSOQ III | Any size of organisation; validated and benchmarked | Short version about 20 minutes, long version about 60 minutes | Free |
| APHIRM toolkit | Organisations with at least 20 employees; covers physical and psychosocial hazards together | 15–20 minute survey, online or on paper | Free |
| ADDRESS | Australian Public Service agencies | Uses APS Census hazard mapping | Free |
| PHReD-T (SafeWork NSW) | WHS, HR and line managers planning work redesign; a work redesign aid, not a survey | Step-by-step activity guide; use on your own or with your team | Free to download |
| WorkSafe Victoria prevention plan template | Victorian employers documenting their risk management | Depends on your workplace | Free, optional |
Source: WorkSafe Victoria's tool comparison (reviewed 12 June 2026), SafeWork NSW and WorkSafe Victoria guidance.
What happened to People at Work?
WorkSafe ACT says the People at Work survey tool is being decommissioned in 2026, and 2 October 2026 was the final date to access reports and results. If you used it, the tools above are the free options regulators point to. Read more: After People at Work: options for Australian employers.
A survey is a snapshot
A validated survey gives you a structured picture at one point in time. Conditions on a roster or a site can change within weeks. Many employers pair an annual or periodic survey with regular, shorter check-ins so they can see changes between surveys and review controls sooner.
Where WellbeingSolutions fits
WellbeingSolutions is a paid service, so here is plainly what it does:
- Personalised SMS check-ins to a whole workforce, one site or one team, with no app to download.
- Triage to professional support. When someone replies that they need help, the support your organisation chooses, such as your EAP, is alerted and follows up. If your organisation doesn't have an EAP, anyone who needs help is guided to government support services.
- Anonymised trend reporting for leaders, not names.
- A confidential psychosocial risk assessment informed by ISO 45003 guidance. It takes 8 to 12 minutes and can be sent by text, email or QR code.
It sits alongside a validated survey rather than standing in for one. See how it works in Australia: Psychosocial hazards in Australia.
Free 2-week SMS check-in pilot for up to 10 staff. Start your free pilot
Questions we hear
What free psychosocial risk assessment tools are there in Australia?
WorkSafe Victoria compares three free tools: COPSOQ III, the APHIRM toolkit and ADDRESS. SafeWork NSW also publishes PHReD-T, a work redesign tool that's free to download.
Which free tool suits a small business?
WorkSafe Victoria lists COPSOQ III as suitable for any size of organisation. The APHIRM toolkit is listed for organisations with at least 20 employees.
How long does COPSOQ III take?
WorkSafe Victoria says the short version takes about 20 minutes and the long version about 60 minutes.
Is People at Work still available?
WorkSafe ACT says People at Work is being decommissioned in 2026. The final date to access its reports and results was 2 October 2026.
Is ISO 45003 a tool?
No. ISO 45003 is international guidance on managing psychological health and safety at work. Tools and assessments can be informed by it.
This page summarises public information and is not legal advice. Last checked 26 October 2026.