Victorian OHS laws to manage psychosocial hazards
On 30 September, Victoria's new Occupational Health and Safety (Psychological Health) Regulations 2025 were passed, with WorkSafe also publishing a Compliance Code for Psycological Health.
On 30 September 2025, the highly anticipated Occupational Health and Safety (Psychological Health) Regulations 2025 (Regulations) were passed, with WorkSafe simultaneously publishing a Compliance Code for Psychological Health (Compliance Code).
The Regulations stand separately from the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 and sit alongside the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act). They will take effect from 1 December 2025.
The development of the Regulations follows several reviews which recommended strengthening workplace health and safety laws, to better address risks to workplace psychological health. The reviews have included the:
- Review of Model Work Health and Safety Laws (known as the Boland Review)
- Respect@Work Report
- Productivity Commission’s Inquiry into Mental Health.
The Final Report of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System also highlighted the need to improve education and awareness concerning psychological health, to build safe and healthy workplaces and to prevent mental injury.
However, the duty to protect worker's psychological health already applies due to existing duties in occupational health and safety regulations. This includes an obligation to ensure their people are psychologically safe at work, The new regulations will provide details about how that can be achieved.
Disclaimer: This does not purport to be comprehensive or to render legal advice. You should not act based on any information contained in this publication without first obtaining specific professional advice. Consult your legal advisor to determine if this applies to you.
