Victoria Psychological Health Regs
Victoria has introduced the Occupational Health & Safety (Psychological Health) Regulations 2025, which align nationally. These regulations take effect form 1 December 2025. Psychological risks are now treated equally with physical hazards, requiring employers to actively manage and reduce psychosocial risks in the workplace.
Psychosocial Hazards
Psychosocial hazards include workplace factors that may cause stress or harm to mental health, such as:
Bullying, harassment, or violence
Exposure to trauma or aggressive behaviour
Poor work design, high demands, low control, or limited support
Employers must control these hazards and review them periodically.
Risk Management Approach
The regulations embed a structured four-step risk management process:
Identify hazards – recognise factors affecting psychological health.
Assess risks – determine potential harm.
Control risks – prioritise design and system changes over training alone.
Review and revise – update controls after incidents, workplace changes, or when effectiveness is lacking.
As usual, consultation with employees and health and safety representatives is mandatory throughout the process.
Compliance Code
WorkSafe Victoria has released a Compliance Code, which provides practical guidance. Following the Code offers “deemed compliance” with legal duties.
Why It Matters
Mental injuries now represent a significant portion of workplace claims and costs, and is growing quickly. These regulations will likely accelerate this trend.
Practical Steps for Employers
Review your workplace safety systems to include psychosocial hazards.
Train managers and staff to identify and respond to psychosocial risks.
Implement appropriate controls, prioritising workplace design and systems.
Document assessments, consultations, and actions.
Monitor effectiveness.
For a briefing on this important topic or facilitation of psychosocial risks assessment call us on 03 8544 4300 or email.
