The national model WHS legislation have recently undergone modifications that recognise psychosocial hazards in the workplace and mandate businesses to establish control mechanisms to minimise risks. New South Wales will be one of the first jurisdictions in Australia to implement these changes.

Businesses are already implementing the NSW Code of Practice: Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work, according to Natasha Mann, head of SafeWork NSW. These new regulations give workplaces clarity on their responsibilities and list possible control mechanisms.

“Psychosocial risks and hazards can cause a stress response leading to psychological or physical harm. They can stem from the work itself in the way it is designed and managed, from hazardous working environments, equipment use and social factors in the workplace,” Ms Mann said.

“The new regulations require businesses to, as far as reasonably practicable, eliminate psychosocial risks and advise what should be considered when putting in place appropriate control measures.

“The changes will also complement the establishment of SafeWork NSW’s Respect@Work Taskforce, the NSW Government $9.7 million response to the Respect@Work Report on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace.”

The model laws will also improve record keeping and operator training for entertainment devices and passenger ropeways in light of a number of recent occurrences.

“By putting in place greater requirements for training and more robust reporting we will see operators required to lift industry standards,” Ms Mann said.

The Work Health and Safety Amendment Regulation 2022 introduces a number of changes to the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017.

More details are available here on the SafeWork NSW Legislation website.