Why Victoria’s Proposed Occupational Health and Safety Amendment is a Game Changer for Employee Mental Health in Australia.

The importance of mental health in the workplace can no longer be downplayed. We’ve seen how a toxic work environment can affect an employee’s mental, emotional, and even physical wellbeing. That’s why Victoria’s proposed occupational health and safety amendment (psychological health) regulations are a much-needed step in the right direction. They emphasise the need for employers to prioritise employee mental health, which can improve overall workplace wellbeing and even lead to increased productivity. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at Victoria’s proposed amendment and discuss ongoing requirements, reporting, and who needs to manage the process.

Victoria’s proposed occupational health and safety amendment (psychological health) regulations aim to provide a safe and healthy work environment for all employees, including their mental wellbeing in Australia. According to SafeWork Victoria, employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe work environment that doesn’t negatively affect an employee’s health or safety, supporting mental health as a priority. This includes their psychological health. This amendment is a game changer because it puts equal emphasis on both physical and emotional safety.

One of the key aspects of this amendment is the ongoing requirement to prioritise employee psychological health. This means that employers need to create and implement a system that manages, maintains, and reviews employees’ psychological health at all times. This can be done through the establishment of policies and procedures, training for mental health, and supervision programs. Employers need to continually monitor employees’ mental health, identify risks, and take proactive measures to minimise those risks, such as offering workplace stress leave options.

Additionally, employers must track and report on psychological health-related safety incidents that occur within the workplace. This can be in the form of a mental health-related injury, near miss, or any other psychological or social hazards that affect the employee’s mental wellbeing. Reporting and analysing such incidents are essential in identifying hazards, controlling risks, and implementing controls that can prevent future incidents.

Mental health is integral to the overall wellbeing of employees. Victoria’s proposed occupational health and safety amendment (psychological health) regulations emphasise the importance of prioritising employee mental health and safety in Australia, which is a significant step towards creating a healthier and safer work environment. Employers must implement a system that manages, maintains, and reviews employee psychological health continuously. Track and report on psychological health-related incidents that occur within the workplace and appoint a competent Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) to oversee the process. It is essential that employers maintain regular communication and consultation with employees to identify and mitigate mental health risks and hazards and to promote emotional wellbeing. While this may seem like a daunting task, with the right system, resources, and commitment, employers can create a healthier and safer work environment for all.