The ACT Government has introduced new mental health protections to its work health and safety laws to help counter psychosocial hazards. 

The changes come in response to recommendations from Safe Work Australia’s Boland Review, which called for a review of current WHS laws and the need for amendments to help identify and manage psychosocial risks.  

As part of the changes, the ACT will introduce a new code of practice to help ensure that businesses meet the new guidelines.  

ACT Industrial Relations and Workplace Minister Mick Gentleman says the changes aim to ensure that mental health hazards are “treated with the same seriousness as physical hazards in all Canberra workplaces”.  

“These changes provide the foundations for legislatively recognising psychosocial hazards at work, such as traumatic events, and giving businesses the tools to prioritise the mental health and wellbeing of our workers,” Mr Gentleman said.  

“We consider a psychosocial hazard to be anything at work that may cause psychological harm, or otherwise have an impact on someone’s mental health.” 

“Things like sexual harassment, exposure to traumatic materials and work-related violence can all cause serious psychological injuries.”   

Earlier this year, the ACT Government introduced new laws requiring businesses to report sexual assault incidents to WorkSafe ACT. 

Mr Gentleman says the changes, which will take effect on November 27, are a step towards making sure that workers more vulnerable to risks are supported and safe at their workplace.  

“Ensuring the psychological safety of every worker in the ACT is critical, and particularly among our first responders who can regularly be faced with unique and challenging situations as part of their daily work,” Mr Gentleman said. 

“Our first responders in the Territory, including our ACT Ambulance Service, are at the frontline responding to traumatic events as part of their everyday work.”