Victoria's New Psychosocial Regulations are Imminent

admin • September 9, 2025

It has been a long time coming, and the promised released date for Victoria's new Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Psychological Health Regulations is imminent. These regulations, which are anticipated to be released in October and to come into effect on 1 December 2025, aim to address the growing recognition of psychosocial hazards in the workplace.


What Are Psychosocial Hazards?

Psychosocial hazards refer to workplace factors that can negatively impact an individual’s mental health and well-being. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Workplace bullying
  • High job demands or low job control
  • Poor workplace relationships
  • Exposure to traumatic events
  • Discrimination or harassment

Such hazards can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges, which not only affect individuals but also reduce workplace productivity and morale. They can also lead to catastrophic consequences for some individuals.


Why are new Psychosocial Regulations being introduced?

The Victorian government has responded to recommendations made by the Boland Review of WHS, the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System and the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Mental Health.


There is already a legal obligation under the existing Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act): employers must provide and maintain a working environment for their employees, including contractors, that is safe and without risks to health, so far as reasonably practicable. In addition, in Section 5 of the OHS Act, health is defined as including psychological health. However, there is limited guidance in Victoria as to how this should be done. The new Regulations are intended to close this gap.


The new regulations are designed to ensure that employers take proactive steps to identify, assess, and manage psychosocial risks. They will dictate how an employer must identify and control psychosocial risks in the same way that they manage physical hazards. This includes a risk management approach to these hazards and how to implement measures to prevent harm and create a supportive work environment.


A Compliance Code will accompany the regulations, providing practical guidance for employers on how to meet their obligations. This will include strategies for risk assessment, consultation with employees, and implementing controls.


How Can You Prepare?

  • Review your safety structures in your workplace – do you have elected Health and Safety Representative, Designated Work Groups and Health and Safety Committees - and are they working well?
  • Ensure your reporting and consultation processes are sufficient and working well. Remember that open communication is key and that you have a legal obligation to consult with your employees on any changes which may affect their health and safety in the workplace.
  • Review your existing policies and procedures – are there policies around bullying, harassment and workload management?
  • Make sure your general OHS knowledge base is strong. This might mean looking at your existing training. Are workers, HSR’s, supervisors, managers and the leadership team all up to speed on their rights and obligations under the OHS Act? BeSafe Victoria can help you with HSR training, refreshers and leaders OHS training. HSR Training Courses | BeSafe | Regional Victoria
  • Take a look at Psychological health | WorkSafe Victoria and utilise the WorkWell toolkit at WorkWell Toolkit | WorkSafe Victoria
  • Start to plan how you will implement a training schedule once the Regulations are released. Watch this space – BeSafe will be developing a course to bring you up to speed once we have the Regulations and Compliance Code. Reach out if you are interested in being notified once this is available: HSR Training and support | BeSafe | Regional Victoria


As always, if you need any help, reach out to BeSafe on 0467 002 060 or admin@besafevictoria.com.au


Engineered Stone - Anniversary of The Ban

By admin • June 29, 2026
Today is the anniversary of the banning of Engineered Stone. On the 1 st July 2024, Engineered Stone was banned due to the high levels of silica it contained, which presented a health and safety risk to those working with it. The banning of engineered stone is a huge win for the safety and health of workers, but it does not mean that workers are safe from silica related disease. Workers can still be exposed to silica from other sources, including: Stone Asphalt Cement, mortar and grout Concrete, concrete blocks and cement products Bricks and pavers Tiles Sand These and related products still present a risk and this comes in the form of respirable crystalline silica. Small particles of silica can be produced when dust is produces through cutting, sanding or processing the materials. This can occur during manufacturing and construction, when mining or digging, and when handling waste. The silica dust can be breathed deep into the lungs and can cause serious disease., including silicosis, fibrosis, COPD, bronchitis and lung cancer. In addition, it can cause other systemic diseases including serious effects on the kidneys, immune system, eyes, etc. Employers must control the risk of exposure and workers should be aware of the risks so that they can make sure that they are safe. BeSafe is still horrified to occasionally see dry cutting by workers who may not be aware of the serious risks of this practice. Just remember, that just because engineered stone has been banned, it doesn’t mean you are safe from silica related disease. Make sure you know how to protect yourself and stay safe from this serious and deadly hazard. More information: For the general information page with resources relating to crystalline silica, take a look at: Crystalline silica | WorkSafe Victoria For information relating to how employers must identify hazards, assess risk, control the risk and review and revise controls regularly, take a look at: Preparing a crystalline silica hazard control statement for high-risk crystalline silica work | WorkSafe Victoria For a practical guide on how to safely work with engineered stone, including exemptions, take a look at Compliance code: Engineered stone | WorkSafe Victoria

Welding Fumes

By admin • June 15, 2026
Welding fumes are hazardous, and employers must control the risk of harm. Various types of welding are used in the workplace, with varying levels of welding fume production. The amount and type of fumes produced during welding will vary based on various factors including: the metals being welded, the welding process used, the composition of the welding rod/wire, the shielding gases used and any contaminants or coating on the metal, etc. There are a number of health effects which may occur due to exposure to welding fumes. These include both short-term and long-term affects Short term: eye irritation, respiratory irritation, metal fume fever (zinc oxide). Long term: siderosis (iron accumulation in the body), lung and kidney cancer, nervous system disorders, asthma, pneumonia. The likelihood of developing damaging health effects from welding will depend on the type of welding being used (and therefore the type of fumes produced), the duration and frequency of exposure, the worker’s proximity to the fumes, the ventilation of the welding area, and any controls which were utilised during the exposure. Welding fumes are a hazardous substance and must be controlled according to the hierarchy of controls. Controls may include: Eliminating the need for welding if possible, for example by using different fastening methods or prefabricated components. Substituting the welding method, for example by using a method which generates less fumes, or using automation methods. Engineering controls including mechanical ventilation such as on-torch extraction or local exhaust ventilation. PPE should be provided by the workplace and includes the use of air fed ventilators. The use of respirators such as Powered Air Purifying Respirators can be used but only in addition to a higher-order control, or if higher-order controls are not possible. Other types of respirators are available but less effective. Several different controls may need to be used and as with any controls, training must be provided on their implementation. Atmospheric monitoring may also be required to monitor exposure levels in the workplace and health monitoring must also be carried out in accordance with the OHS Regulations 2017 Part 4.1 - Hazardous Substances.  Consultation with the workforce, including any elected health and safety representatives, must take place in accordance with requirements under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004. For more information on welding fumes, take a look at the following links: https://youtu.be/0tvrOw18Vr0?si=oK_v3vkbGebCzuMf Controlling exposure to welding fumes | WorkSafe Victoria Compliance code: Hazardous substances | WorkSafe Victoria - Welding fumes | Safe Work Australia