12 Ways to Make Your Small Business Safer (Based on WorkSafe Victoria Guidance) + Psychological Hazards
How to identify and control health and safety hazards in small businesses to make them safer.
Tag: legislation
Workplace health and safety legislation updates, compliance guidance and practical information for Victorian and Australian employers and businesses.
Psychosocial Hazards in the Workplace: Categories, Risk Controls and Training Examples
Psychosocial hazards are workplace factors that can cause psychological or physical harm to workers. These hazards may arise from the design of work, workplace interactions, organisational systems, or exposure to traumatic or stressful situations. If psychosocial hazards are not properly identified and controlled, they can contribute to stress, anxiety, burnout, psychological injury, fatigue, conflict and […]
Psychological Health at Work: Key Differences Between Harmonised WHS legislation and Victorian OHS Laws
Introduction Psychological health is no longer a “grey area” in workplace safety—especially in Victoria. With the introduction of the Occupational Health and Safety (Psychological Health) Regulations 2025, Victoria has now moved much closer to the harmonised Work Health and Safety (WHS) model used across most of Australia. For small businesses and not-for-profits, this is a […]
Are You Meeting Your OHS Duty of Care Obligations in Victoria?
But the real question is: 👉 Are you confident your business is fully compliant? Does your business employ staff or engage contractors? If so, you have clear legal responsibilities under the WorkSafe Victoria framework to ensure a safe and healthy workplace. Many small and medium businesses believe they are meeting their obligations—until an incident, inspection, […]
Free OHS Record Retention Schedule and Compliance Checklist (Victoria)
Prepared by OHS & HR Management Systems Pty Ltd. Based on With the exception of notifiable incident records (5 years), the Victorian OHS Act and Regulations generally do not prescribe specific retention periods in years. Instead, they require records to be kept, maintained and made accessible. 7-year retention period is a general recommendation. This is […]
How to Consult Workers to Meet Victoria’s Psychological Health Regulations
Survey tools and practical consultation methods for Victorina Workplaces From 1 December 2025, employers must actively identify and control psychosocial hazards under the new regulations administered by WorkSafe Victoria. A key legal requirement and initial step towards compliance is consultation with employees when identifying psychosocial hazards, assessing risks, and implementing control measures. Consultation ensures workers […]
Workplace Psychological Health Compliance Planning Checklist – Victoria
Designed for Small Businesses in Victoria. Based on WorkSafe Victoria 2025 Psychological Health Regulations and Compliance Code. Detailed requirements: https://ohsmanagementsystems.com.au/2025/10/02/psychological-health-at-work-in-victoria-a-simple-guide-for-small-medium-businesses/ Workplace Psychological Health Compliance Planning Checklist – Victoria Also, here is a very simple survey that WorkSafe Victoria provide on their website to help comply with the “Consultation” actions. WorkSafe Victoria “Employee Engarement Survey” 26/3/26 […]
What Every Employer Must Include in a Safety Induction in Australia (2026 Guide)
A strong safety induction isn’t optional in Australia—it’s a legal requirement and a critical first step in protecting workers, preventing incidents, and meeting Work Health and Safety (WHS) obligations. According to Safe Work Australia, employers must train workers before they start work so they become familiar with their tasks, workplace environment, and the hazards around […]
Understanding Workplace Noise Hazards Based on the Victorian Compliance Code for Noise
Workplace noise hazards are a significant health and safety issue in many industries, from manufacturing and construction to hospitality and retail. Prolonged exposure to excessive noise can lead to serious health problems, including hearing loss, tinnitus, stress, and reduced productivity. In Victoria, Australia, the Compliance Code for Noise provides detailed guidance on how to manage […]
The Critical Importance of Manual Handling Risk Assessment Over Training Alone
When it comes to workplace safety, especially in industries involving significant physical labour, manual handling is a major concern. Many organisations emphasize training workers on proper lifting techniques, believing this will mitigate the risks associated with manual handling. However, while training is crucial, it is only one part of a comprehensive approach to managing manual […]
Tips For Small Business and Not-for Profits (NFPs) to meet OHS Obligations on a restricted budget
Meeting Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) obligations is a critical responsibility for all businesses, including small businesses and not-for-profit organisations. However, with limited resources, it can be challenging to implement comprehensive safety measures. Here’s a guide on how to effectively manage OHS obligations without straining your budget. 1. Understand Your Legal Obligations The first step […]
Demystifying Australian Health and Safety Terminology – WHS, OHS, PCBU etc
WHS v OHS – What’s the difference? Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and Work Health and Safety (WHS) are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings and implications in the field of workplace safety. The 2 terms (OHS and WHS) specifically refer to the legislative framework and regulations that […]
2026 OHS HEALTH CHECKS – BOOK NOW!
Are you meeting your OHS obligations under OHS Legislation? Do a quick check of your OHS Management Systems now, complete this free survey and check your score: SafetyMAP Diagnostic Quiz Get your OHS health check now and plan for the next 12 months A ½ day site visit includes review of your documentation, observation and […]
New Victorian WorkSafe Compliance code: Workplace facilities and the working environment
The Compliance code for Workplace facilities and the working environment focuses on ensuring that employers provide safe and suitable facilities for their employees. This includes areas such as toilets, rest areas, drinking water, and temperature control. The code emphasizes the importance of maintaining cleanliness, hygiene, and accessibility in these facilities. It also addresses the need […]
Top 10 Reasons Why Your Business Should Develop an Online Induction
In today’s digital age, businesses are constantly seeking innovative ways to streamline their operations and enhance employee onboarding processes. One such solution gaining popularity is the development of online inductions. This article will explore the top 10 reasons why your business should consider implementing an online induction program. Conclusion:Developing an online induction program offers numerous […]
When will we see the Victorian OHS Regulations Amendment for Psychosocial Hazards?
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations are crucial for ensuring the well-being of employees in the workplace. In recent years, the focus on workplace safety has extended beyond physical hazards to include psychosocial hazards, which can have a significant impact on employees’ mental and emotional health. In Victoria, Australia, there has been growing anticipation regarding […]
The Importance of Workplace Mental Health Awareness Training
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the significance of mental health in the workplace. As our understanding of mental health deepens and societal attitudes evolve, organisations are placing greater emphasis on supporting the psychological well-being of their employees. One powerful tool that has emerged in this context is Workplace Mental Health […]
Workplace Gendered Violence including Sexual Harassment – Victoria
WorkSafe Victoria and the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) have recently released new guidance on this topic. In Victoria, sexual harassment has previously been covered by the Equal Opportunity Act 2010, and was not seen at an OHS hazard. Now that WorkSafe is providing guidance, it is most definitely seen as an […]
Summary and Comment – Occupational Health and Safety Amendment (Psychological Health) Regulations Draft
WorkSafe has just released this draft for public comment which is planned to come into operation 1 July 2022. The purpose of this article is to summarise the key requirements in the draft and comment on my opinion of the draft. Here is the link to the draft and related information https://engage.vic.gov.au/proposed-psychological-health-regulations The objectives of […]