Set to take effect from 1 July 2022, the Victorian government is poised to introduce new psychological health regulations that place a positive duty on employers to identify and mitigate risks of mental injury in the workplace.
The proposed regulations provide a framework that requires employers to:
- identify psychosocial hazards in the workplace;
- control the risks associated with the psychosocial hazards by altering work systems and/or provide instruction, information or training;
- continue to review any measures implemented to control those risks;
- devise a prevention plan if a specific hazard has been identified (e.g., aggression or violence, bullying, exposure to traumatic content or events, high job demands and/or sexual harassment); and
- report to WorkSafe on a bi-annual basis each reportable psychosocial complaint (i.e., aggression or violence, bullying or sexual harassment) received. Note – this requirement is currently only proposed for employers with more than 50 employees.
Where to from here?
WorkSafe is currently accepting submissions on the proposed regulations, with an anticipated start date of 1 July 2022.
For now, employers will need to consider developing appropriate strategies to identify and control psychosocial risks and prepare for the bi-annual reporting obligations that look set to be involved.
We will be hosting an online forum on this topic, be sure to keep an eye out for an invite.
In the meantime, if you need advice on how these proposed regulations will affect your business, or practical suggestions to ensure your business will be compliant come 1 July 2022, reach out to one of our team on (03) 9448 9600.
The above is general information and should not be taken as legal advice.
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