New Psychosocial Regulations in Commonwealth/Comcare Jurisdiction

New regulations for the management of psychosocial hazards at work came into effect in the Commonwealth jurisdiction on 1 April 2023.

The regulations give more specific detail to Commonwealth/Comcare employers about how to meet their work health and safety (WHS) duties for psychosocial hazards and risks.

Psychosocial risks are defined as risks to the health or safety of a worker or other person arising from a psychosocial hazard. Psychosocial hazards can arise from:

• the design or management of work

• the work environment;

• plant at a workplace

• workplace interactions and/or behaviours

Like physical hazards, psychosocial hazards may cause harm and need to be mitigated using the hierarchy of controls.

You can read more about the changes on the Comcare website here.

MicroRisk Group can assist you to understand your obligations under the WHS regulations and ensure that your business is managing its WHS risks. See our Services for more information.