New rules mandate employers to identify and reduce the risks of psychosocial hazards in the workplace
New regulations mandating employers in Victoria to take practical steps to prevent and reduce psychosocial risks in workplaces are now in effect.
The new rules, under the state's new Occupational Health and Safety (Psychological Health) Regulations 2025, provide more clarity to employers about their obligations on psychological health and safety.
"These new regulations make it very clear to every employer that they have a responsibility to provide their staff with a safe and mentally healthy workplace that is free from psychological harm," said Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt in a statement.
Under the new rules, employers in Victoria are mandated to identify psychosocial hazards in the workplace and assess the risks associated with them.
They are also mandated to control these risks by eliminating or reducing them, as well as reviewing and revising risk control measures as needed.
Psychosocial hazards at work
Psychosocial hazards refer to factors at work that may cause an employee to experience one or more negative psychological responses that create a risk to their health or safety, according to WorkSafe Victoria.
They may include bullying, sexual harassment, aggression or violence, as well as exposure to traumatic events or content.
In the last financial year, just 42% of employees who suffered from psychological injuries were able to return to work within six weeks, government data revealed.
"Victorian workers deserve better than to face risks to their mental health at work – that's why we're taking action to ensure employers understand the need to identify hazards and control the risks," said Minister for WorkSafe Ben Carroll in a statement.
The state government said a compliance code with practical guidance on how to meet their duties is available online for employers. Other tools and resources, such as an optional prevention plan template, will also be available to support organisations.
The new regulations in Victoria follow similar rules introduced in other Australian states and territories that clarify employers' obligations for managing psychological health in their workplaces.
