Government to introduce new regulations to reduce psychological harm in workplaces

The South Australian government is rolling out new work health and safety (WHS) regulations to help employers minimise the risk of psychological harm in the workplace.

The new regulations, which are under the Work Health and Safety Act 2012, will take effect in December 2023.

"These new regulations are part of a significant national effort to better address the risks caused by psychosocial hazards at work and recognise that a worker's psychological health is just as important as their physical health," said Industrial Relations Minister Kyam Maher in a statement.The government said these new regulations aim to provide employees and employers better guidance on how to manage the risk of psychological injuries and illnesses in the workplace.

According to the government, psychological illnesses have a "significant effect" on employees' health and business productivity.

These illnesses are caused by psychosocial hazards, which include excessive workload demands, exposure to traumatic events, as well as issues such as bullying, harassment, and sexual discrimination in the workplace.

These regulations follow the recommendations made by the 2018 review on Australia's WHS laws, which called for more specific guidance on how to identify and manage psychosocial risks.

"I look forward to continuing to work with both business and worker representatives to improve health and safety in South Australian workplaces," Maher said.

Code of Practice also underway

In addition to new regulations, the government is also rolling out a Code of Practice on Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work.

The code, which was developed following consultation with employees and employers, will provide practical guidance on managing risks to psychological health.

SafeWork South Australia will work with employer and employee organisations to help business owners understand their obligations, according to SafeWork SA executive director Glenn Farrell.

"The new regulations and Code of Practice will support businesses to be proactive in ensuring their most valuable assets – their workers – are free from harm at work," Farrell said.

Queensland previously implemented Australia's first-ever legally enforceable code of practice on addressing psychological health risks at work.