Psych Risk Regs Have Arrived in VIC
The new Occupational Health and Safety (Psychological Health) Regulations are officially landing in Victoria on 1 December 2025, and they’re putting the spotlight squarely on the stuff that actually causes stress at work.
We’re talking about bullying, high workloads, poor leadership, toxic culture, unclear roles…the everyday realities that can quietly erode mental health and team performance.
But Here’s the Thing...
Victorian businesses have always had a duty under the OHS Act 2004 to provide a working environment that’s safe and that includes psychological health. These new regulations don’t replace that duty, they amplify it, making it crystal clear that psychosocial risks must be managed with the same rigour as physical ones.
And with this move, every state and territory in Australia now has psychosocial hazard regulations embedded in their health and safety frameworks. That means psychological safety is not a “nice to have”, it’s a legal must.
What Do These Regs Actually Mean?
From 1 December, Victorian employers must:
Consult with employees and health and safety reps on psych risks
Identify psychosocial hazards in the workplace
Control those risks by eliminating or reducing them, so far as reasonably practicable
Review and revise control measures as needed
This includes risks from work design, systems of work, interpersonal behaviours, and environmental conditions.
WorkSafe VIC has published a Compliance Code to provide guidance on compliance: Compliance code: Psychological health (PDF) | WorkSafe Victoria
Risk Collective – Ahead of the Curve
At Risk Collective, we’ve been helping businesses manage psychological risks for over a decade, long before these regulations were even drafted.
Our work spans industries including:
Education
Correctional services
Not-for-profits
Recruitment
Corporate
Construction
We know what works. We understand the nuances. And we tailor our approach to suit your people, your culture, and your operational realities.
What Should You Do Now?
Even though the regs kick in this December, now’s the time to:
Know the regs and Compliance Code
Review your current systems and practices
Educate leaders and teams about psychosocial risks
Engage with employees to identify potential hazards
Prepare to implement proportionate control measures
Ready to Lead the Way?
Risk Collective is here to help you navigate these changes with confidence. Whether you need a full psychosocial risk assessment, leadership training, team training, o specific advice and guidance – we’ve got you.
Get in touch to find out how we can support your organisation.
