Mine sites and other workplaces in Victoria now face explicit legal duties to prevent psychological harm, following the commencement of new Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2025 on December 1.
The regulations require employers to identify psychosocial hazards, take reasonable steps to eliminate or control associated risks, and review the effectiveness of those controls. Bullying, sexual harassment, aggression or violence, and exposure to traumatic events or content are among the hazards the regulations focus on.
WorkSafe chief health and safety officer Sam Jenkin said the reforms strengthen the state’s OHS framework by making employers’ responsibilities unambiguous.
“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,” 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.”
A new psychological health compliance code is now available to guide employers through their obligations. It outlines definitions of psychosocial hazards and provides examples tailored to different work environments, giving businesses a practical reference point as they assess their operations.
WorkSafe has been preparing duty holders since the regulations were made in September, rolling out awareness and education activities to support the transition. The authority says the framework is designed to be flexible, allowing employers to manage psychosocial risks in a way that fits their workplace.
While compliance is required immediately, inspectors will consider factors such as an organisation’s previous experience with psychosocial risk management when determining enforcement responses.
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