Additional mental health resources for workers in Victoria

The Victorian Government has launched a new program that provides workers with access to counseling services designed to improve their health and well-being and to mitigate the risk of workplace mental injuries. These additional mental health resources for workers in Victoria form part of a broader push to address psychosocial hazards before they escalate into serious harm.

Deputy Premier and Minister for WorkSafe Ben Carroll has recently announced the launch of a new Worker Mental Health Support Helpline, providing services similar to those of an Employee Assistance Program, which is now available to employees in small and medium-sized businesses that lack such support. This initiative gives smaller employers a practical way to offer confidential support without needing an in-house program.

“Mental injuries can have a devastating impact on workers’ health, careers, and personal lives – we’re developing new ways to prevent them,” Deputy Premier and Minister for WorkSafe Ben Carroll said.

What the New Helpline Offers

Employees utilising the free service will receive assistance from trained counselors to tackle concerns such as occupational stress and burnout, preventing these issues from escalating into injuries that may require medical attention or result in time away from work.

Workers gain access to a wide range of services, including professional guidance on managing pressure at work and strategies for building resilience. Support extends beyond crisis intervention, giving employees ongoing resources to maintain their wellbeing throughout their careers.

Why Psychosocial Hazards Matter for Workplace Safety

Psychosocial risks, such as excessive workloads, bullying, and poor role clarity, are now recognised under Victorian legislation as genuine workplace hazards requiring proactive management. Employers who fail to address these hazards risk breaching their duty of care obligations.

WorkSafe Victoria provides workplaces with guidance and services aimed at helping businesses identify and control hazards that contribute to mental injury, alongside physical safety risks. Understanding this connection between psychological and physical safety is essential for building a resilient workforce.

For more detailed information on managing workplace mental health risks, read our related article on promoting mental well-being for workers in Victoria.

Supporting Small Businesses Through Policy and Compliance

Small and medium-sized businesses often lack the resources to establish their own counseling services, making this government-backed program particularly valuable. Our team previously covered similar developments in our piece on the mental health boost for small businesses in Victoria.

Employers seeking to strengthen their compliance framework should also consider reviewing dedicated workplace mental health and psychosocial policies to ensure their obligations under current legislation are met consistently across every site and team.

Upcoming Regulatory Changes

Businesses across the state should prepare for further reform, as outlined in our coverage of Victoria's plan to implement new regulations for safeguarding workers' mental well-being. These changes will likely place greater emphasis on documented safety processes and formal psychosocial hazard assessments.

Organisations wanting a head start can access ready-made mental health policies and plans, alongside supporting resources like a bullying policy template to address specific psychosocial risks such as harassment and workplace conflict.

Building a Safer, More Supportive Workplace Community

This program reflects growing recognition across the Victorian business community that mental health support is not optional but essential to sustainable operations. Employers in high-risk sectors, including those referencing OHS management systems for auto services in Victoria, should integrate mental health provisions alongside traditional safety protocols.

Employers can also mark their commitment to holistic safety by participating in initiatives like the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, which highlights both physical and psychological risks facing modern workforces.

Read more here.