Victoria’s new workplace mental health laws will start on December 1 as the state workers’ compensation scheme battles a rise in psychological injury claims.

The state government says the reforms reinforce employers’ duty to provide a working environment that is free from risks to health, including mental health.

“Claims for work-related mental injuries in Victoria remain high … Psychosocial hazards such as bullying, sexual harassment, aggression or violence, and exposure to traumatic events or content continue to cause significant harm in Victorian workplaces,” the government said.

“The new regulations recognise that psychosocial hazards are just as important as physical hazards, creating new obligations for Victorian employers to identify and manage risks associated with psychosocial hazards in their workplaces.”

WorkSafe Victoria has prepared material to help employers understand their duties under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (Psychological Health) 2025 regime.

It has also released a code of practice to provide further guidance.

Law firm Maddocks says the legislation “will require a focus on assessment of risk, and empowering leaders to address risk. Many of these leaders may require support to understand their role.

“Boards and executive teams should be developing a mature understanding of the psychosocial hazard profile in their organisation, consistent with their role as officer.”