New laws and code of practice in place to protect workplace mental health
Effective 1 July 2023, the Northern Territory will implement new work health and safety regulations to address workplace psychosocial hazards.
Under the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011, businesses have a duty to implement reasonable measures to manage psychosocial risks. These new regulations will clarify this existing duty without imposing new requirements.
A new code of practice is also underway to give practical risk management guidance essential for creating and maintaining mentally healthy workplaces.
NT WorkSafe Executive Director Peggy Cheong said managing psychosocial hazards is just as important as managing physical hazards.
“Psychosocial hazards usually arise from job design or management issues, poor working environments, and unhealthy behaviours at work such as bullying and harassment,” Ms Cheong said.
“If left unmanaged, they may cause psychological or even physical harm.”
“These hazards are unfortunately becoming prevalent in Australian workplaces, with the number of psychological injuries increasing over the years.”
“The trend is the same for the Territory, so having the new regulations and code of practice is timely and crucial to ensure employers are well equipped to deal with these hazards effectively,” Ms Cheong added.
NT WorkSafe has organised information sessions to educate stakeholders about this growing national workplace concern and its negative impacts on one’s health, safety and productivity.
“We encourage all Territory businesses to participate in these sessions which will help them better understand their legal obligations, and guide them through the steps to manage psychosocial risks,” Ms Cheong said.
To attend, register via the following Eventbrite links:
- 17 April 2023 – 10:30am to 11:30am
- 21 April 2023 – 2:00pm to 3:00pm
- 15 May 2023 – 2:00pm to 3:00pm
- 18 May 2023 – 10:30am to 11:30am
- 14 June 2023 – 10:30am to 11:30am
- 15 June 2023 – 2:00pm to 3:00pm
A full description of the new regulations is available at worksafe.nt.gov.au/psychosocial-regulations