WorkSafe – Psychological Health Regulations

On 1 December 2025 the Occupational Health and Safety (Psychological Health) Regulations 2025 came into effect.

These regulations were created to protect employees from psychological injury and give Victorian employers clear advice on how to identify hazards and manage risks to psychological health.

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.

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 and a range of fact sheets have 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.

WorkSafe also provides regular 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.

Workers with concerns about psychosocial hazards in their workplace can contact WorkSafe’s advisory service on 1800 136 089.

For more information on psychological health visit WorkSafe Victoria website

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