Commencing today, the Occupational Health and Safety (Psychological Health) Regulations 2025 create new obligations for workplaces across Victoria to protect employees from psychological injury.
The new regulations make it clear that, just like physical threats, Victorian employers must address risks associated with psychosocial hazards - such as bullying, sexual harassment, aggression or violence, and exposure to traumatic events or content.
WorkSafe Chief Health and Safety Officer Sam Jenkin said the change would strengthen the existing occupational health and safety framework by creating specific duties for employers.
"Safe work is about more than just protecting workers from physical hazards - of course that's important, but it's every bit as crucial to protect workers from risks to their mental health," Mr Jenkin said.
"Just like physical injuries, psychological injuries can take a terrible toll on workers' lives and the new regulations make absolutely clear the steps employers must take to identify hazards and control the associated risks."
Under the changes, Victorian employers now have a specific duty to identify psychosocial hazards, take reasonable steps to eliminate or control the associated risks, and review risk controls.
A psychological health compliance code has been published to provide practical guidance to employers about their obligations, including definitions of psychosocial hazards and examples of how they might apply across different types of workplaces.
Since the regulations were made in September, WorkSafe has also undertaken a range of awareness and education activities to support duty holders to understand and prepare for the transition.
The regulations provide the flexibility for duty holders to identify and control psychosocial hazards and risks in the way that best supports their working environment.
While employers must comply with their new duties from today, inspectors will take into account factors such as previous experience with psychosocial risk management when determining any compliance and enforcement response.
WorkSafe regularly provides advice and guidance on work-related psychological health issues and hazards, including responding to more than 7,100 inquiries from employers and workers in 2024-25.
