When “That’s Just the Way We Have Always Done It” Becomes a Risk
Originally written for Oysters SA’s “Safety Above & Below the Waterline” series
On 19 February 2026, South Australia’s new Codes of Practice for Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work came into effect.
They do not introduce new duties.
They clarify what has always been required under the Work Health and Safety Act.
And for oyster operators, they bring one uncomfortable truth into focus: The things we normalise can become our greatest risks.
What is a Psychosocial Hazard?
A psychosocial hazard is anything in the way work is designed or managed that could cause psychological harm.
Common examples include:
Fatigue
Unreasonable job demands
Lack of role clarity
Inadequate support
Bullying or harassment
Sexual and gender-based harassment is also formally recognised as a psychosocial risk.
Importantly, work-related psychological injuries often involve longer recovery times and higher costs than physical injuries. In small crews, that disruption can have significant operational impact.
What this looks like on the water
Psychosocial risks rarely look dramatic.
They often sound like:
“That’s just oyster farming mate.”
“That’s how the tides work.”
“We chase the customers' needs, if they call, we go out.”
“It’s only a joke mate, it’s not personal.”
Examples might include:
Inconsistent tide or increased order driven days where fatigue is accepted as normal
A new or seasonal worker unsure who to speak to
Instructions misunderstood because English isn’t someone’s first language
Banter that shifts from mateship to isolation
Tension in a small crew that goes unaddressed
Individually, these may seem manageable.
But under the Code, they are hazards. And like a slippery pontoon or faulty equipment, they must be identified, addressed, controlled and continually reviewed.
The leadership standard
This is not about red tape.
It is about leadership.
Strong operators:
Make expectations clear
Monitor fatigue during peak periods
Address behaviour early
Create safe pathways for raising concerns
Ensure everyone understands instructions
If a worker feels isolated because of language barriers, that is a risk. Not because anyone intended harm — but because you may not have accounted for it.
The new Codes emphasise open discussion, documentation and review. If it isn’t written down, it’s difficult to demonstrate compliance if a regulator inspects your operation.
Where to start
You do not need to overhaul your business.
Start with three practical steps:
Talk to your team, encourage their involvement in the conversation
Identify the current and potential hazards and put a plan in place to support everyone
Document what you are already doing and what you plan to do
Often, businesses are doing more than they realise. The key is documenting it.
Need clarity on where you stand
Josh Ingham is the Founder of Ingham & Co, a specialist agricultural and aquaculture WHS consultancy.
If you would like clarity on how these psychosocial requirements apply to your operation — or want to talk through any safety issue — Josh offers a complimentary 30-minute conversation.
It is practical, confidential and focused on helping you understand what matters most for your business right now.
👉 Request a conversation here
Ingham & Co – Making farm safety simpler, smarter and fit for the future.
