The People at Work survey is ending. Psychosocial risk assessments are not.

You may have heard that the People at Work (PAW) survey platform is being decommissioned in 2026. 

For some organisations, this has raised questions about what happens next and whether there is still a compliant way to meet psychosocial risk obligations. 

Understanding the role PAW played 

The PAW survey was developed through a national research collaboration involving Australian universities, work health and safety regulators and wellbeing organisations. It provided a free, evidence-based way for workplaces to identify common psychosocial hazards. 

At Altius, PAW was never used in isolation. 

Our psychosocial risk assessments have always involved a broader process. This typically includes a desktop review of existing systems, interviews with key stakeholders, an organisation‑wide survey, focus groups, analysis across data sources, and practical action planning. The PAW survey was one tool within that process, not the assessment itself. 

What is changing is the availability of that specific survey tool, not the requirement to conduct a risk assessment or Altius’ ability to deliver one. 

PAW survey decommissioning dates employers need to know

The People at Work platform will be decommissioned according to the following timeline: 

• 1 June 2026: final date for new organisations to register

• 1 July 2026: final date to launch new PAW surveys

• 2 October 2026: final date to access the PAW platform and download reports 

Organisations that are ready to proceed can still complete a psychosocial risk assessment that incorporates the PAW survey before it is switched off. 

For organisations that are not ready yet, there is no gap in support. We will still have a validated tool as part of our approach beyond PAW platform being decommissioned.

What this means for employers now 

Most organisations are not focused on which tool is used. Their priority is ensuring their approach is compliant, defensible and proportionate.  

Altius continues to deliver psychologist‑led psychosocial risk assessments that align with WHS legislation and the Model Code of Practice for managing psychosocial hazards.  

As the PAW survey is decommissioned, we are enhancing our assessment approach and using validated tools that allow us to continue supporting organisations without interruption.

This means:

• There is no period where assessments cannot be conducted

• Organisations do not need to “do the survey themselves” before engaging support

• The focus remains on understanding risk and implementing practical controls, not on navigating tools 

Organisations that are ready to proceed can still complete a psychosocial risk assessment that incorporates the PAW survey before it is switched off.

For organisations that are not ready yet, there is no gap in support. We will still have a validated tool as part of our approach beyond PAW platform being decommissioned.

Moving forward with confidence

Psychosocial risk assessments are not a one-off exercise. They are part of ongoing risk management.

Whether your organisation previously relied on the PAW survey, accessed it independently, or is only now turning its attention to psychosocial risk, the expectation is the same:

Risks must be identified, assessed, and managed in a way that reflects your workplace. 
Tools may change. Employer obligations do not. 

If you would like to discuss how a psychosocial risk assessment can be approached now or planned for the new financial year, talk to the Altius team to help understand your options and next steps.