Victorian employers must now take specific steps to identify psychosocial hazards and control work-related risks to mental health. From 1 December he Occupational Health and Safety (Psychological Health) Regulations 2025 create new obligations for workplaces across Victoria to protect employees from psychological injury.
The new regulations make it clear that, just like physical threats, your employer must address risks associated with psychosocial hazards – such as bullying, sexual harassment, aggression or violence, and exposure to traumatic events or content. The duty includes the obligation to control the risks with higher order controls rather than defaulting immediately to providing information, instruction or training.
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.
“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.”
Under the changes, your employer now has 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 has 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.
You can also learn about how psychological hazards affects you in your workplace at our Psychosocial Health - OHS Reps page. We explain What are Psychosocial Hazards? And provide an Action Plan for HSRs. You can also explore our interactive Psychosocial Hazard Library for customised information on addressing the psychosocial issues present in your workplace.
Read more: New regulations make psychological health a priority | WorkSafe Victoria