New workplace mental health code of practice comes into effect in Queensland

New Workplace Mental Health Code of Practice Comes Into Effect in Queensland

A new code of practice designed to give Queensland businesses practical guidance on managing workplace psychosocial hazards has officially commenced. This code sets out clear expectations for risk management around mental health, helping employers understand their obligations under current workplace safety laws.

The Managing the Risk of Psychosocial Hazards at Work Code of Practice took effect on Saturday, April 1, marking a significant step forward for workplace health and safety management across the state.

What the Code of Practice Covers

Minister for Industrial Relations Grace Grace said the code was created to promote mental health in workplaces and raise awareness of signs and symptoms linked to mental illness. It provides practical support for identifying, assessing, and controlling psychosocial hazards before they escalate into serious harm.

"The Palaszczuk Government is yet again leading the nation when it comes to health and safety of our workers," Ms Grace said.

"Research has shown that workers benefit from psychologically healthy workplaces through better individual health, increased job satisfaction, commitment, positive attitudes toward self-development, and lower rates of work-related physical injuries."

Why Psychosocial Hazard Management Matters

Effective psychosocial risk management protects both employee wellbeing and organisational performance. Businesses that build strong hazard management frameworks tend to see improved compliance outcomes, reduced absenteeism, and better staff retention.

Under this framework, organisations should focus on:

• Identifying psychosocial hazards specific to their industry and work environment
• Implementing risk management processes that address mental health alongside physical safety
• Providing ongoing support to workers experiencing psychosocial risk
• Reviewing management systems regularly to ensure continued compliance

Organisations seeking further guidance on building robust psychosocial hazard management systems can review SafetyDocs' workplace mental health and psychosocial policy resources, which support compliance with this new code of practice.

Broader Context: A National Response to Psychosocial Risk

This code of practice reflects a growing national response to psychosocial hazards in workplace health and safety management. Similar reforms have emerged at a Commonwealth level, reinforcing consistent risk management expectations across jurisdictions. Read more about the new Commonwealth Code of Practice now in effect for additional context on how these frameworks align nationally.

Businesses managing multiple risk categories may also benefit from reviewing related guidance, such as the Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice update, which demonstrates how Queensland continues strengthening safety management across various hazard types.

Supporting Workers Through Practical Tools

Employers can strengthen their psychosocial hazard management approach by pairing this code with supporting documentation, including a bullying policy template designed to address specific workplace conduct risks that contribute to psychosocial harm.

For organisations looking to benchmark their approach against broader industry developments, SafetyDocs also covers related initiatives such as the SIRA service tackling workplace mental health and the model Code of Practice addressing workplace fatigue risk, both of which support comprehensive safety management strategies.

Staying Informed on Code of Practice Updates

Queensland businesses should stay current with evolving compliance requirements by monitoring updates like the Silica Dust Code of Practice update and attending industry events such as the Workplace Health and Safety Show, where safety professionals discuss emerging hazard management practices.

Further information on the new code of practice is accessible here.