Safety Bulletin – March 2022

VIC – Workplace psychological health regulations proposed

WorkSafe VIC has released proposed Occupational Health and Safety Amendment (Psychological Hazards) Regulations and its associated Regulatory Impact Statement for public comment following the VIC Government’s announcement to support mental health reforms. The regulations will recognise psychological health as a key factor in workplace health and safety, and provide guidance for employers on their obligations towards the mental health of employees. It is expected that the new regulations will commence in July 2022 if approved. A psychological health compliance code is also in development. Comments close 31 March 2022.

Read the latest developments and have your say on the proposed psychological health regulations here

Australia – Further consultation for HVNL review and automated vehicle safety law to be made federal

Infrastructure and transport ministers have agreed that further consultation is required on the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) review before more detailed policy work is brought to ministers for consideration. Ministers have also agreed that the future Automated Vehicle Safety Law will be Commonwealth law, with decisions on drafting the new law to be made in late 2022 and an intergovernmental agreement to be developed by late 2023. The law is expected to commence in 2026.

Read the Infrastructure and transport ministers’ meeting outcomes here.

Queensland – Industrial Relations Act to cover sexual harassment

The QLD Government has released the final report of the five-year review of the Industrial Relations Act 2016 and its response to the report’s recommendations. All seven of the recommendations related to workplace sexual harassment have been accepted, including legislation changes to allow interlocutory orders or interim injunctions for sexual and sex-based harassment.

View the Queensland office of Industrial Relations media release here for more information.