Update Psychological Health

Occupational Health and Safety Amendment (Psychological Health) Regulations

Information about the proposed regulatory change to create Victoria’s first psychological health regulations available at
https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/occupational-healthand-safety-amendment-psychological-health-regulations.

Overview
On 17 May 2021, the Victorian Government committed to introducing regulations to better prevent workplace psychological hazards and injuries.

The proposed Occupational Health and Safety Amendment (Psychological Health) Regulations (proposed regulations) will amend the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017.

The proposed regulations will strengthen the occupational health and safety (OHS) framework and recognise that hazards that pose a risk to psychological health are no less harmful to employees’ safety and wellbeing than physical hazards.

The proposed regulations aim to promote the importance of psychological health and safety in the working environment.

Status
The Victorian Government and WorkSafe are currently considering stakeholder feedback. Progress on the proposed regulations will continue in 2023.

WorkSafe will also continue to work with the Victorian Government to develop the proposed Psychological health compliance code (the code), supporting guidance and practical tools concurrently with the proposed regulations.

Upon making, a range of implementation and communication activities will be undertaken to support employers, employee and employer groups, other key stakeholders and the Victorian community to be aware of the changes, what they mean and how to apply them to their working environments.

Register for updates
To receive updates to your inbox about the progress of the proposed regulations and code, email legislation@worksafe.vic.gov.au.

Current employer obligations
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act), employers must provide and maintain a working environment for their employees, including contractors, that is safe and without risks to health, so far as reasonably practicable. In Section 5 of the OHS Act, health is defined as including psychological health.

Online resources
WorkSafe’s website has psychological health online resources to support employers and Health Safety Month 2022, focussed on reducing workplace harm including a webinar about how to manage psychosocial hazards in the workplace. WorkWell is also available to support employers to prevent mental injury and to promote healthy workplaces https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/workwell-toolkit .

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