The PsychProof Newsroom

The Australian Institute of Health and Safety (AIHS) has raised concerns over new digital safety laws in NSW.

SafeWork SA has introduced two new Codes of Practice addressing the management of psychosocial hazards and sexual and gender-based harassment at work, effective from February 19, 2026, aiming to clarify existing legal duties for employers and better protect worker wellbeing. The codes are based on the national Model Code of Practice developed by Safe Work Australia and incorporate significant further consultation with South Australian unions and employer representatives.

Regulators are increasing scrutiny on workplaces regarding psychological risk as a safety issue. Addressing psychosocial risks through organizational and work design decisions is crucial and leadership behavior and cultural maturity become practical risk controls.

WorkSafe WA has introduced major changes under the WHS (Mines) Regulations 2022, requiring mining operations to appoint properly trained and certified personnel to statutory WHS roles. The compliance deadline is 30 March 2026.

From 1 July 2026, South Australia will align with national WHS laws by redefining high-risk construction work as any task involving a fall risk of more than two metres (down from three).

New South Wales has announced several significant WHS regulatory changes, including a Silica Worker Register (from 1 October 2025) for all high-risk silica work; updated WHS Regulation 2025, including new electrical standards; and mandatory audiometric testing (from 1 January 2026) for workers exposed to hazardous noise.

Regulators expect businesses to manage WHS risks related to the adoption of AI, automation, drones, robotics, and digital systems. This includes completing WHS risk assessments, assigning clear safety responsibilities, and maintaining human oversight to avoid algorithmic errors, stress, or unsafe digital workflows.

Australia has broadened its WHS incident-notification requirements, meaning employers must now report violent incidents, work-related suicides or attempts, and absences of 15+ days due to work-related injury or illness. These updates ensure psychological harm and long recovery periods are treated as seriously as physical injuries. Any event posing a risk to a worker's mental or physical health must now be reported promptly to support stronger WHS compliance.

New South Wales has announced mandatory audiometric testing from 1 January 2026 for workers exposed to hazardous noise, with testing required at three months and every two years thereafter.

Australia has broadened its WHS incident notification requirements, mandating the reporting of violent incidents (including sexual assault), work-related suicides or attempts, and extended absences (15+ days) due to work-related injury or illness. These updates ensure psychological harm and long recovery periods are treated as seriously as physical injuries.