The new regulations classify mental health hazards as equal to physical ones. Photo: BPGS.
The Victorian Government will introduce new regulations regarding psychosocial hazards in the workplace.
The new regulations, due to take effect late this year, are in response to recommendations made by the Boland Review, the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System and the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Mental Health.
The regulations recognise psychosocial hazards to be as important as physical hazards and create new obligations for employers to identify and control those dangers in working environments.
Psychosocial hazards are defined as work-related factors with potential to harm, such as bullying, sexual harassment, violence, aggression and exposure to traumatic events.
“Every worker deserves a safe workplace – and that includes one that is psychologically safe,” Deputy Premier and Minister for WorkSafe and the Transport Accident Commission Ben Carroll said.
“Psychosocial hazards and mental injuries impact wellbeing and productivity across our community and economy, and it makes sense to do everything we can to prevent them.”
The new regulations aim to strengthen workplace health and better address mental health issues, as well as align with regulations in other Australian jurisdictions.
A compliance code will be made available to inform employers on how to meet the demands of their new obligations, and extra guidance will be given on methods to prevent psychosocial hazards.
WorkSafe executive director of health and safety Sam Jenkin said: “These changes send a clear message that employers must treat psychosocial hazards just as seriously as they do physical hazards, while also supporting them with the tools they need to create mentally healthy workplaces.”
The Victorian Government cites an increase in “work-related mental injuries” as cause for the policy, stating that 18 per cent of all WorkCover claims in 2023-2024 were mental health-related, up from 16 per cent the previous year.
WorkSafe, through the WorkWell program, provides support and information for employers to reduce work-related risks to mental wellbeing. The program has engaged with more than 16,000 workplaces since its inception in 2017.
