The obligation
PCBUs must identify and manage psychosocial hazards at work; the Model Code of Practice on Psychosocial Hazards provides practical compliance guidance.
The WHS Act's primary duty (s 19) expressly extends to psychological health. The Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Psychosocial Hazards at Work (adopted for Commonwealth workplaces) provides a structured risk-management approach covering hazard identification, risk assessment, and control. Queensland's 2024 amendments also updated this Code. PCBUs must maintain systems addressing workload, work design, bullying, harassment, violence, and traumatic events.
- What
- PCBUs must identify and manage psychosocial hazards at work; the Model Code of Practice on Psychosocial Hazards provides practical compliance guidance.
- Source
- safeworkaustralia.gov.au
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Labels
psychosocial
mental-health
code-of-practice
2024
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
Managing psychosocial hazards — duties under the WHS Act and Code of Practice is a WHS requirement set out in Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (FEDERAL). The relevant provision is Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) > Part 2 > s 19.
What does this WHS obligation require?
Managing psychosocial hazards — duties under the WHS Act and Code of Practice is a WHS obligation under Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (FEDERAL). In short, PCBUs must identify and manage psychosocial hazards at work; the Model Code of Practice on Psychosocial Hazards provides practical compliance guidance.
What changed recently?
Managing psychosocial hazards — duties under the WHS Act and Code of Practice was last updated on 26 August 2026.
