New regulations aimed at enhancing psychological health in the workplace have been implemented in Victoria, Australia. As of December 1, 2025, employers are required to take explicit actions to identify and manage psychosocial hazards that can negatively impact mental health. The new Occupational Health and Safety (Psychological Health) Regulations 2025 introduce essential responsibilities for workplaces across the state.
Sam Jenkin, the Chief Health and Safety Officer at WorkSafe Victoria, emphasized the importance of addressing mental health alongside physical safety. “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,” he stated. The regulations underscore that just like physical injuries, psychological injuries can significantly affect workers’ lives.
Under the new framework, Victorian employers must specifically identify psychosocial hazards such as bullying, sexual harassment, aggression, violence, and exposure to traumatic events or distressing content. Employers are now obligated to take reasonable steps to eliminate or control these risks in the workplace.
To assist with compliance, a psychological health compliance code has been released, offering practical guidance on the obligations set forth by the new regulations. While adherence is mandatory, WorkSafe inspectors will consider previous experiences with psychosocial risk management when evaluating compliance and enforcement actions.
Workers who have concerns regarding psychosocial hazards in their workplaces are encouraged to reach out to WorkSafe’s advisory service at 1800 136 089 for support. The introduction of these regulations marks a significant step towards fostering safer and more supportive work environments in Victoria, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of mental health in occupational health and safety.
