Australia-first framework to improve mental health at work.

SafeWork NSW has today released its Code of Practice for Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work.

As the first specific Code of Practice in Australia focusing on psychosocial hazards, the Code provides practical guidance for employers on how to identify, control, and respond to a wide range of potential hazards in the workplace that have the potential to cause psychological or physical harm.

The new Code sets out what employers need to do to comply with the state’s Work Health and Safety Legislation and highlights the legal duty of care every workplace in NSW has to protect their employees from psychosocial hazards such as bullying and harassment, violence in the workplace as well as conducting remote and isolated work.

Incorporating user-friendly examples of how different types of organisations might approach psychosocial hazards in their workplace, the Code also sets out the specific roles and responsibilities for employees to actively report, reduce and or eliminate risks in the workplace.

Failure to comply with the new Code of Practice could present serious ramifications for NSW businesses such as organisational disruption and the financial impacts resulting from work-related harm. The most serious cases of misconduct could lead to reputational damage and legal proceedings.

The new Code presents a timely reminder for all organisations to audit their approaches to managing psychosocial hazards in the workplace. To download a copy of the Code of Practice for Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work or find out more information visit WorkSafe NSW.