Psychosocial risks don’t always show up in obvious ways – but their impact can be significant. The stress pathway helps explain how everyday workplace pressures, such as high workload or conflict, translate into physical and psychological harm.
When these risks aren’t addressed at their source, the body’s stress response can become prolonged, increasing the likelihood of injury, illness, and reduced performance. Understanding this pathway reinforces a simple principle: preventing harm starts with designing work in a way that supports people to perform safely and sustainably.