Do you have Psychosocial risks covered in your business?

If you don’t, you need to know new Regulations are now in force!

New Work Health and Safety psychosocial regulations complement the existing control provisions under the Work Health and Safety Act, 2012 and require both employers and workers manage the risk of psychological injuries and illnesses. 

The Regulations which came into force on 25 December 2023 require that any psychosocial hazards that arise from or in relation to the design or management of work, the working environment, plant at a workplace, or workplace interactions or behaviours and may cause psychological and physical harm are identified.

Under the WHS Regulations, to manage psychosocial risks, an employer must identify reasonably foreseeable hazards that could give rise to psychosocial risks and eliminate risks, so far as is reasonably practicable. If it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate the risks, the employer must minimise the risks so far as is reasonably practicable and maintain implemented control measures, so they remain effective, and review, and if necessary, revise, control measures so as to maintain, so far as is reasonably practicable, a work environment that is without risks to health and safety. 

In determining control measures to be implemented, a PCBU must have regard to all relevant matters, including: 

• the duration, frequency and severity of the exposure of workers and other persons to the psychosocial hazards,
• how the psychosocial hazards may interact or combine, 
• the design of work, including job demands and tasks, 
• the systems of work, including how work is managed, organised and supported,
• the design and layout, and environmental conditions, of the workplace, including the provision of: 
  • safe means of entering and exiting the workplace, and
  • facilities for the welfare of workers
• the design and layout and environmental conditions of workers’ accommodation –
• the plant, substances and structures at the workplace 
• workplace interactions or behaviours, and 
• the information, training, instruction and supervision provided to workers. 

What does this mean for employers and how can the South Australian Business Chamber help?

No doubt SafeworkSA will review an employer’s performance by reference to claims made under the Return to Work Act. Any failure to comply could result in a criminal prosecution. If you need help you can contact our Business Advice Hotline on (08) 8300 0000 (select option 1) and one of our Advisers can connect you with a Work Health Safety Consultant. 

The South Australian Business Chamber has a half day course for Leaders and Managers – Psychological Safety for Leaders. This training will explore psychosocial hazards in the workplace, how to review existing hazard identification and risk management frameworks, and to assist determine whether all reasonably practicable steps are being taken to ensure a safe working environment. To register for this training or find our more look here.