SafeWork NSW launches major crackdown on psychosocial work hazards

SafeWork NSW has launched a six-week, state-wide compliance operation focused on identifying and controlling psychosocial hazards, coinciding with World Mental Health Day 2026. This is the regulator’s largest campaign to date aimed at reducing psychosocial harm in workplaces across New South Wales.

Inspectors will visit businesses across all industries to check compliance with psychosocial risk management obligations under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws. Organisations are expected to demonstrate how they systematically identify, assess and control psychosocial risks, supported by robust WHS management systems, policies and Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) where relevant.

Psychosocial risk management remains a key regulatory priority for SafeWork NSW. Earlier this year, the regulator expanded its specialist capability by appointing 20 additional inspectors with specific expertise in psychosocial hazards, strengthening its ability to monitor and enforce psychological health and safety standards.

The new campaign follows a statewide compliance program run during May and June 2026, where inspectors attended more than 200 workplaces across diverse sectors. That program resulted in over 80 improvement notices being issued in relation to psychosocial hazards and inadequate risk management practices.

This latest operation will include follow-up visits to workplaces that previously received improvement notices, with inspectors assessing whether required corrective actions have been implemented and sustained. Businesses without clear, documented psychosocial risk controls, such as procedures, policies and consultation processes, may face enforcement action.

SafeWork NSW reports a continuing rise in psychosocial-related requests for service, with 20.5 per cent of all requests now involving concerns about psychological harm. The sectors most frequently seeking assistance are construction, education and training, healthcare and social assistance, and retail, highlighting the need for fit-for-purpose WHS management systems and tailored psychosocial risk controls in these industries.

To support early intervention, SafeWork NSW operates a Psychosocial Advisory Service (PAS). Workers and PCBUs can call 13 10 50 for guidance and practical advice on resolving psychosocial issues before they escalate into harm. The service is designed to help workplaces address concerns such as work-related stress, bullying, fatigue, job demands and exposure to traumatic events.

Significant reforms to the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 commenced on 1 July 2026, introducing new requirements for businesses to comply with relevant approved codes of practice, or to adopt alternative control measures that deliver an equal or higher level of health and safety. This includes the Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work Code of Practice, which sets out practical steps for identifying, assessing and controlling psychosocial risks.

The psychosocial code of practice provides detailed guidance on topics such as workload, role clarity, remote and isolated work, workplace relationships, violence and aggression, and organisational change. SafeWork NSW expects PCBUs to integrate these requirements into their WHS management systems and related policies, procedures and consultation arrangements. Businesses seeking structured documentation may consider using professionally developed WHS management system templates and policies, such as those available from specialist providers including BlueSafe.

Workers who are concerned about psychosocial or other WHS issues can lodge a request for service via the SafeWork NSW website or by calling 13 10 50. The Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work Code of Practice is also available on the regulator’s website and should be used alongside existing WHS policies, SWMS and risk management frameworks.

SafeWork NSW will also host a psychological health and safety seminar on 18 November, providing further information for businesses, health and safety representatives and workers on implementing effective psychosocial risk controls and complying with the updated legislative framework.

SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer emphasised that psychological health must be treated with the same seriousness as physical safety in every workplace. She noted that creating psychologically safe work starts with good work design, competent and supportive leadership, and a culture where workers feel safe to raise concerns.

Inspectors will examine how organisations identify psychosocial hazards arising from the way work is designed and managed, how they consult with workers, and what measures are in place to prevent harm before it occurs. Psychological harm, if left unmanaged, can result in psychological injury, physical injury, reduced wellbeing, lost productivity and long-term impacts on workers and businesses.

Throughout the operation, SafeWork NSW inspectors will be on site across the State, reinforcing expectations, checking compliance and directing businesses to resources that support the identification, management and ongoing monitoring of psychosocial risks in the workplace.