Further amendment to new psychosocial regulations

A further amendment has been made to the new work health and safety regulations on psychosocial hazards which commenced on 1 July 2023.

The regulations now require persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) to apply the hierarchy of control measures in managing psychosocial risks in the workplace.

The hierarchy of control measures is a system for controlling workplace risks. Eliminating risks to health and safety is the first step and the most effective control in the hierarchy. If this is not reasonably practicable, PCBUs and other duty holders must work through the other methods in the hierarchy to minimise the risks.

With this change, the risks from all workplace hazards will be managed the same way, irrespective of whether they might cause physical and/or psychological harm.

Code of Practice delayed

The model Code of Practice: Managing psychosocial hazards at work produced by Safe Work Australia will be reviewed to ensure it includes the use of the hierarchy of control measures, and will be subject to consultation prior to being adopted later this year.

Related documents

• Government Gazette No. S45 – 29 June 2023
• 2023 Changes to the Work Health and Safety Regulations (Psychosocial Hazards)
• Hierarchy of control measures