Managing psychosocial hazards under the work health and safety laws

About this event

Mental health and wellbeing is an ongoing issue for work health and safety. Psychosocial hazards have been and continue to be a concern for workplaces as these are usually linked to psychological injuries which can lead to workers' compensation claims.

The Northern Territory has amended its Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Regulations 2011 (WHS Regulations) to confirm the duty of a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) to manage psychosocial risks as part of general workplace management.

Since the amended regulations came into force from 1 July 2023, NT WorkSafe has noticed an increase in the number of safety concerns raised that relate to psychosocial hazards such as bullying, harassment and other inappropriate behaviours at work. There is no doubt that psychosocial hazards and risks need to be recognised and addressed by all stakeholders in various sectors and industries to minimise the adverse effects resulting from such hazards.

The focus of this follow-up presentation on this topic is:

• To provide a brief recap on the nature of psychosocial hazards
• The effect and requirements of the amended WHS regulations on psychosocial risks
• What a psychosocial risk management process may involve
• What PCBUs should have to make sure that they comply with their duty, and
• To discuss some examples demonstrating how such hazards and risks have been considered by regulatory authorities.

Presenter

Peggy Cheong, NT WorkSafe Executive Director

Peggy Cheong is the Northern Territory’s Work Health and Safety Regulator. Prior to joining NT WorkSafe, Peggy was a practising lawyer in the Northern Territory with over 30 years’ experience in areas related to work health and safety, workers' compensation, and employment law.

Peggy has been a member of the Council of the Law Society of the Northern Territory for many years and was a former president of that organisation. Peggy is also on the Board of the Darwin Community Legal Services Inc. and volunteers her time at Top End Women’s Legal Service.