Victoria's New Psychosocial Regulations are Imminent
It has been a long time coming, and the promised released date for Victoria's new Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Psychological Health Regulations is imminent. These regulations, which are anticipated to be released in October and to come into effect on 1 December 2025, aim to address the growing recognition of psychosocial hazards in the workplace.
What Are Psychosocial Hazards?
Psychosocial hazards refer to workplace factors that can negatively impact an individual’s mental health and well-being. These include, but are not limited to:
- Workplace bullying
- High job demands or low job control
- Poor workplace relationships
- Exposure to traumatic events
- Discrimination or harassment
Such hazards can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges, which not only affect individuals but also reduce workplace productivity and morale. They can also lead to catastrophic consequences for some individuals.
Why are new Psychosocial Regulations being introduced?
The Victorian government has responded to recommendations made by the Boland Review of WHS, the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System and the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Mental Health.
There is already a legal obligation under the existing Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act): employers must provide and maintain a working environment for their employees, including contractors, that is safe and without risks to health, so far as reasonably practicable. In addition, in Section 5 of the OHS Act, health is defined as including psychological health. However, there is limited guidance in Victoria as to how this should be done. The new Regulations are intended to close this gap.
The new regulations are designed to ensure that employers take proactive steps to identify, assess, and manage psychosocial risks. They will dictate how an employer must identify and control psychosocial risks in the same way that they manage physical hazards. This includes a risk management approach to these hazards and how to implement measures to prevent harm and create a supportive work environment.
A Compliance Code will accompany the regulations, providing practical guidance for employers on how to meet their obligations. This will include strategies for risk assessment, consultation with employees, and implementing controls.
How Can You Prepare?
- Review your safety structures in your workplace – do you have elected Health and Safety Representative, Designated Work Groups and Health and Safety Committees - and are they working well?
- Ensure your reporting and consultation processes are sufficient and working well. Remember that open communication is key and that you have a legal obligation to consult with your employees on any changes which may affect their health and safety in the workplace.
- Review your existing policies and procedures – are there policies around bullying, harassment and workload management?
- Make sure your general OHS knowledge base is strong. This might mean looking at your existing training. Are workers, HSR’s, supervisors, managers and the leadership team all up to speed on their rights and obligations under the OHS Act? BeSafe Victoria can help you with HSR training, refreshers and leaders OHS training. HSR Training Courses | BeSafe | Regional Victoria
- Take a look at Psychological health | WorkSafe Victoria and utilise the WorkWell toolkit at WorkWell Toolkit | WorkSafe Victoria
- Start to plan how you will implement a training schedule once the Regulations are released. Watch this space – BeSafe will be developing a course to bring you up to speed once we have the Regulations and Compliance Code. Reach out if you are interested in being notified once this is available: HSR Training and support | BeSafe | Regional Victoria
As always, if you need any help, reach out to BeSafe on 0467 002 060 or admin@besafevictoria.com.au
