Victoria sets date for psychosocial hazards regulations – what employers need to know
The Victorian Government has confirmed that new workplace psychosocial hazard regulations will take effect from 1 December 2025, requiring employers to identify and manage mental health hazards with the same level of diligence as physical risks.
Psychosocial hazards are work-related factors that can cause psychological harm or mental injury by negatively impacting a worker’s mental health, wellbeing, or safety. These hazards can stem from workplace culture, job demands, interactions, or organisational processes.
These long-awaited changes follow key reviews, including the Boland Review, the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, and the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Mental Health. According to Safe Work Australia, of the approximately 10,000 serious mental stress claims in 2021-22p, 52.2% were due to work-related harassment or bullying, and work pressure. These regulations aim to create safer workplaces by mandating stronger risk management strategies for psychological health at work.
What Victorian employers need to know
- New workplace mental health regulations will be made in October 2025 take effect from 1 December 2025.
- Employers must proactively identify, assess, and control psychosocial hazards such as bullying, harassment, workplace violence, and exposure to traumatic events.
- A Compliance Code will provide clear guidance on how businesses can meet their legal duties.
- Employers will be required to implement and review risk control measures for psychosocial hazards.
- Written prevention plans may be required for specific psychosocial hazards such as aggression, workplace bullying, high job demands, sexual harassment, and exposure to trauma.
- Employers with 50 or more employees may need to report psychosocial complaints to WorkSafe Victoria.
While the government has committed to implementing these regulations, the final version is yet to be confirmed. However,these regulations will align Victoria with other Australian states and territories that have already introduced formal workplace mental health protections.
What employers can do now
To prepare for these changes, organisations should:
- Review your current approach to managing psychosocial risks and compare it with existing Safe Work Australia guidance.
- Ensure managers and employees receive appropriate training on identifying and managing psychosocial risks.
- Strengthen reporting systems to track and address psychosocial complaints effectively.
- Stay updated on regulatory developments to ensure compliance by the December 2025 deadline.
A Compliance Code will be introduced to help organisations meet these new obligations, and WorkSafe Victoria will provide additional guidance to support implementation.
Be proactive: familiarise yourself with best practices
To get ahead, businesses can familiarise themselves with these resources that provide internationally recognised strategies for managing psychosocial risks:
- Safe Work Australia: Model Code of Practice: Managing psychosocial hazards at work
- International Standard: ISO 45003 – Occupational health and safety management — Psychological health and safety at work — Guidelines for managing psychosocial risks
LDN will continue to provide insights and updates on these regulations and their impact on workplace safety and leadership. Stay informed to ensure your organisation is prepared.
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