The Victorian Government has confirmed new psychological health regulations will be introduced by the end this year. It is expected that the proposed regulations will be made in October 2025 and come into effect in December 2025.
Work-related mental injuries have increased in Victoria over the past few years, representing 18 per cent of all new WorkCover claims in 2023-24, up from 16 per cent the previous year and 9 per cent before 2009.
It is expected the new regulations will have a significant impact on safety and wellbeing across Victorian workplaces and importantly prevent mental injuries from occurring in the first place.
Based on the consultation draft, it is expected that employers will need to continue to comply with the duty, so far as is reasonably practicable, to provide and maintain a safe working environment for employees that is without risks to health, including psychological health. The new regulations will set out how duty holders can discharge their obligations by providing clearer guidance to employers on how to identify and control risks. The new regulations will also provide flexibility for employers, in consultation with employees, to determine what control measures will be most effective in their workplace and adjust them when circumstances change.
A supporting compliance code will also be available to provide employers with practical guidance on how to meet their duties under the new regulations. Additional guidance will be provided in the form of prevention plans to help identify and manage psychosocial hazards to prevent risks to workers’ health and wellbeing.
What can you be doing now in your workplace?
- Review your current systems for managing psychological risks in the workplace in light of the anticipated new regulations.
- Make sure you have adequate systems in place for your staff to report and respond to risks identified in the workplace.
- Consult with your staff to make sure risks are identified and controlled.
- Ensure your managers and employees are given sufficient training and supervision on the management of psychological risks in the workplace.
Workplace Wizards has a team of legally trained employment consultants who have worked with a variety of businesses to help resolve workplace issues.
Our legally trained employment consultants can help. We’ve supported businesses of all sizes with solutions that address the unique challenges of varying workplace environments—from conflict resolution training and refining policies to reviewing employee contracts. By tailoring our services to your specific needs, we’ll help you maintain a productive, harmonious culture where everyone can thrive. Reach out to learn more about our specialized workplace solutions and gain peace of mind for your organization.
You can call us on 03 9087 6949 or email support@workplacewizards.com.au.
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