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 […]

6 Smart Ways to Consult Workers and Enhance Workplace Psychological Health Outcomes in Victorian Workplaces

Workplace Psychological Health Survey Tools and practical consultation methods for Victorian Workplaces From 1 December 2025, employers must actively identify and control psychosocial hazards under the new Psychological Health Regulations administered by WorkSafe Victoria.This include the need for psychosocial consultation. A key legal requirement and initial step towards compliance is consultation with employees when identifying […]

Stay Compliant: Workplace Psychological Health Checklist for Victorian Employers

The introduction of Victoria’s Occupational Health and Safety (Psychological Health) Regulations 2025 places increased responsibility on employers to identify, assess and control psychosocial hazards in the workplace. While many organisations have traditionally focused on physical hazards, employers must now give equal attention to risks that can impact workers’ psychological health and wellbeing. These hazards may […]

Psychological Health at Work in Victoria: A Simple Guide for small & medium-sized business compliance with 10 key tips

They are finally here!! Occupational Health and Safety (Psychological Health) Regulations 2025. From December 2025, Victorian workplaces have clearer rules for managing psychological health. This means employers must not only protect workers from physical injury but also from psychological harm — things like work overload, bullying, poor work design, or exposure to traumatic events.The new […]

Embracing Diversity and Inclusion: The Cornerstones of Safety Excellence

In today’s dynamic workplace landscape, the concept of safety extends far beyond physical hazards and compliance with regulations. It encompasses fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and included. Embracing diversity and inclusion (D&I) isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s also integral to achieving safety excellence within your organisation. Understanding Diversity and Inclusion […]

Master Workplace Psychosocial Risk Assessments: 5 Essential Steps for Compliance

Psychosocial risk assessments are an essential tool for identifying and managing mental health hazards in the workplace. By conducting a thorough assessment, employers can better understand the psychological and social factors that may impact their employees’ well-being and performance. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to complete a workplace psychosocial […]

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 […]

Workplace Mental Health and Well-being – 10 Tips to reduce mental health issues in the workplace

Rising Workers Compensation claims relating to mental health injury and increasing discussion around mental health as a workplace health and safety issue has led WorkSafe Victoria to set up a dedicated website to assist workplaces with planning and initiatives to reduce psychological injury. Have a look at the WorkSafe Victoria WorkWell program here. When thinking […]

Racism in the Workplace: OHS Responsibilities for Victorian Small Business

This was a great new tool to beat discrimination in the workplace Removes Hate Fast Are you tired of discrimination at work? Do you feel helpless and find yourself asking – “What can I do?” Well there’s now a solution. “New Anti-Hate Spray puts the power of hate removal in your hands. Specifically formulated to […]

BBN 2012 Seminar 8 – OHS: What are your obligations? Victorian OHS and Equal Opportunities

Notes:  Julie McLoughlin July 2012        Victorian OHS Act 2004 – Current Employer Obligations       How do we work towards meeting our obligations       For medium and large businesses – seven pillars of safety       Common Hazards in small business       Harmonisation Update       Victorian EO Act 2010 – Current Employer Obligations       How do […]

New Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010

 now in place  What’s new? All businesses  must demonstrate pro-active strategies to  eliminate sexual harassment, discrimination and victimisation. Along with this new  ‘positive duty” , ‘direct’ and  ‘indirect’ discrimination have been redefined. All businesses need to review current EEO policies  and procedures, as they now have a positive duty to ensure their workplaces are  free […]

Workplace alcohol and drug testing

OHS Professional has an article, which from the heading, “Workplace alcohol and drug testing: the long winding road” suggests there might be some valuable information about drug testing (methods/procedures etc). We all know that consultation and education needs to be a strong focus of any ADP. The article tells us this, and tells us about […]