ActionMinds: Your Solution to New Psychosocial Hazard Regulations

From 1 December 2025, Victorian businesses must comply with the new Occupational Health and Safety (Psychological Health) Regulations. These laws recognise that psychosocial hazards, such as bullying, high job demands, and poor organisational support, are as harmful as physical risks. For employers, this means psychosocial risk assessment is no longer optional; it’s a legal requirement.

Failing to act could lead to penalties, reputational damage, and increased workplace stress. The question is: how do you meet these obligations effectively and create a safer, healthier workplace?

Key requirements by state

New South Wales (NSW):

• “Psychosocial risk” is expressly defined in the Regulation, and PCBUs must implement control measures to eliminate or minimise psychosocial risks so far as reasonably practicable.
• When deciding on controls, PCBUs must consider factors like frequency, duration and severity of exposure and how psychosocial hazards may combine.

(Source: SafeWork NSW)

Queensland (QLD)

• PCBUs must manage psychosocial risks under the general risk management provisions – identify hazards, assess risks, implement controls, and review.

(Source: WorkSafe QLD)

Western Australia (WA)

• PCBUs must eliminate psychosocial risks, or minimise them so far as reasonably practicable, putting them on the same importance as other major hazards like falls or machinery.

(Source: WorkSafe WA)

South Australia (SA)

• New regulations create a specific duty to manage psychosocial risks, requiring PCBUs to implement control measures in line with the model WHS approach.

(Source: Legislation SA)

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

• From 27 November 2023, the ACT introduced a specific psychosocial framework mirroring the model WHS obligations (identify, eliminate/minimise, review).

(Source: WorkSafe ACT)

Northern Territory (NT)

• PCBUs must implement control measures to eliminate or minimise psychosocial risks so far as is reasonably practicable, considering duration, frequency, severity and combinations of hazards.

(Source: WorkSafe NT)

Tasmania (TAS)

• Psychosocial hazards are managed under the general WHS risk management provisions, plus an adopted code of practice.

(Source: WorkSafe Tasmania)

Requirements in Victoria and impact on businesses

As we explored in our previous blog, New Psychosocial Regulations: A Guide for Businesses. These new regulations require businesses to:

• Identify psychosocial hazards across all work areas.
• Consult with employees and health and safety representatives.
• Implement and review risk controls regularly.
• Extend compliance to contractors and their employees.
• This isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about embedding a proactive approach to psychological health and safety. That’s where ActionMinds comes in.

Introducing ActionMinds

ActionMinds is Action OHS Consulting’s comprehensive, evidence-based psychosocial risk assessment service. Designed in line with ISO 45003, it combines organisational data, workforce feedback, and participatory design to uncover psychosocial risks and deliver practical, measurable improvements.

Why ActionMinds is Different:

People-centred approach: We use anonymous surveys and worker-only focus groups to ensure genuine consultation.
Data-driven insights: We analyse HR metrics, incident reports, and engagement data to identify early warning signs.
Tailored solutions: Our participatory design process creates workplace-specific controls that make a real impact.
Ongoing support: Quarterly pulse checks and biennial reassessments keep your strategy effective and compliant.

Benefits for Your Business

• Compliance made simple: Meet new psychosocial hazard regulations with confidence.
• Improved wellbeing: Reduce risks like stress, burnout, and bullying.
• Measurable outcomes: Action plans include clear metrics to track success.
• Culture of safety: Build trust and engagement through transparent leadership feedback.

Key Updates Driving the Need for ActionMinds

• Psychosocial hazards are formally recognised under Victorian law.
• Employers must identify, assess, and control psychosocial risks.
• Mandatory consultation with employees and contractors.
• Regular review of risk controls after incidents or new information.
• Penalties for non-compliance under the OHS Act.

The new psychosocial hazard regulations are here. Don’t wait until compliance becomes a crisis. Partner with Action OHS Consulting and let ActionMinds transform your approach to psychological health and safety.

FAQ’s