New ACT Codes of Practice set to take effect in November

New ACT Codes of Practice Set to Take Effect in November

ACT Government has announced that two Codes of Practice have been notified and will take effect this November. Both documents form part of the model WHS framework adopted across Australian jurisdictions and give employers practical guidance on managing workplace hazards.

New Codes of Practice include the "Managing the Risks of Airborne Crystalline Silica (Silica Dust) in the Workplace Code of Practice," and the "Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work Code of Practice."

Silica Dust Code of Practice

Code of Practice for managing risks of silica dust commences on 15 November 2023 and aims to protect workers from harmful exposure. Much like WA's approved WHS codes of practice, this document gives clear, practical direction for identifying and controlling airborne hazards on site.

Silica dust exposure remains a serious concern for construction and manufacturing sectors, where cutting, grinding or drilling materials containing crystalline silica can release fine particles into the air. Left unmanaged, these risks pose long-term health consequences for exposed personnel, similar to how uncontrolled asbestos exposure has historically threatened worker wellbeing. Organisations handling asbestos-containing materials alongside silica should review both hazards together, since asbestos and silica dust often appear in similar high-risk environments such as demolition and renovation work.

Psychosocial Hazards Code of Practice

Code of Practice for managing work-related psychosocial hazards takes effect on 27 November 2023. This code provides additional information about psychosocial hazards in workplace settings and how to prevent them, complementing broader safety obligations under work health and safety legislation.

Psychosocial risks—such as excessive workloads, bullying and poor workplace relationships—can be just as damaging to health as physical hazards like silica dust or asbestos. Employers managing these risks need structured resources to identify triggers early and respond appropriately.

Why These Codes Matter for Safety Professionals

Both codes reinforce a consistent, national approach to safety, aligning ACT requirements with other jurisdictions that have adopted similar guidance. For comparison, South Australia recently introduced new psychological health regulations addressing comparable psychosocial concerns.

Safety teams should treat these updates as an opportunity to review existing risk management resources and confirm current practices meet updated expectations. Practical steps include:

• Reviewing current silica dust and asbestos management plans against the new code
• Updating psychosocial hazard identification processes across workplace teams
• Training supervisors on recognising both physical and psychological risks
• Consulting legislation and Codes of Practice reference materials to stay current with obligations

Additional information is available on the WorkSafe ACT website, which outlines full compliance timeframes and supporting guidance for both codes.