HCA Mag reports that the Victorian government will introduce new regulations in October seeking to strengthen how psychosocial hazards are managed in the workplace amid an increase in work-related mental injuries.
These hazards refer to factors in the working environment that have the potential to cause harm, for example bullying, sexual harassment, aggression or violence, and exposure to traumatic events.
“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,” said Sam Jenkin, WorkSafe executive director of Health and Safety, in a statement.
“These regulations will provide clarity for employers about what they need to do to keep their workers safe from psychosocial hazards and uphold their duties under the OHS Act.”
According to a government source, a compliance code will be established to assist employers in meeting their duties in the upcoming legislation.
“Extra guidance will also be provided on how prevention plans can help identify actions they’ll take to control psychosocial hazards,” the government’s statement read.
Increase in work-related mental injuries
The new legislation comes after work-related mental injuries increased to 18% of all new WorkCover claims in 2023-24 – up from 16% during the previous year, nine per cent logged before 2009.
Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Ben Carroll said mental injuries can have a devastating impact on workers’ health, career, and personal lives.
“It’s crucial that employers do everything possible to reduce the risks – just as they must control the risks of physical injury,” Carroll said in a statement.
Victoria will join the jurisdictions that are introducing regulations around psychosocial risks in the workplace, such as Western Australia, Tasmania, Queensland, and New South Wales.
The Commonwealth also amended the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 to introduce regulations on managing psychosocial risks at work.
Also read: Why is everyone talking about psychological safety? | Executive PA Media
