Northern Territory approves new Codes of Practice

Northern Territory Approves New Codes of Practice

The Northern Territory Government has recently granted approval for new Codes of Practice under the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011. This move strengthens workplace safety obligations across industries, including construction, manufacturing and healthcare, by giving employers clearer guidance on managing hazards.

Some of the approved Codes of Practice include the 'Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work Code of Practice' and the 'Sexual and Gender Based Harassment Code of Practice.' Both documents address emerging risks that affect health and wellbeing in modern workplaces, particularly psychosocial hazards linked to stress, bullying and harassment.

What the New Codes Cover

According to NT WorkSafe, the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice approved the above Codes of Practice and also agreed to changes in the "Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice." Plant-related hazards remain a leading cause of injury on construction sites, making this update highly relevant for site supervisors and safety officers.

Key updates include:

• Practical guidance for identifying and managing psychosocial hazards before they escalate into serious health issues
• Clear obligations for employers responding to sexual and gender-based harassment complaints
• Revised safety requirements for plant operation in construction and industrial settings

Why These Codes Matter for Safety Professionals

Psychosocial risks are increasingly recognised as a critical component of occupational health, alongside physical hazards common in construction environments. Employers who fail to address psychosocial factors risk breaching their obligations under the Act, exposing workers and organisations to preventable harm.

Similar reforms have occurred elsewhere in Australia — for example, see our coverage of the WA approved WHS Codes of Practice update, which reflects a broader national push toward stronger psychosocial safety standards.

The Northern Territory has previously updated sector-specific guidance too, including the new Code of Practice for tower cranes, which supports safer crane operations on construction sites.

Where to Find Further Information

Elaborate information can be found on the NT WorkSafe website, where employers can download the full text of each code. For organisations managing multiple compliance obligations, our Legislation & Codes of Practice Reference List offers a consolidated resource for tracking regulatory updates across jurisdictions.

Queensland has also introduced similar reforms recently — read more in our article on new Codes of Practice to protect workers in Queensland — demonstrating a consistent national focus on improving health and safety outcomes across construction, healthcare and manufacturing sectors.