New laws prioritise mental health in Victoria

Victorian employers are now required to take certain actions to recognise psychosocial hazards and manage work-related mental health risks.

Effective from December 1, 2025, the Occupational Health and Safety (Psychological Health) Regulations 2025 introduce new duties for workplaces in Victoria aimed at protecting workers from psychological injuries.

WorkSafe Chief Health and Safety Officer Sam Jenkin remarked that the proposed change aims to reinforce the existing occupational health and safety framework by defining particular obligations for employers.

“Safe work is about more than just protecting workers from physical hazards – of course that’s important, but it’s every bit as crucial to protect workers from risks to their mental health,” Mr Jenkin said.

“Just like physical injuries, psychological injuries can take a terrible toll on workers’ lives and the new regulations make absolutely clear the steps employers must take to identify hazards and control the associated risks.”

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