Updates to WHS Codes of Practice – psychological hazard management

WorkSafe ACT has released amendments to six  Codes of Practice, including how they now incorporate psychosocial hazard management  following the introduction of the Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work Code in late 2023. The six Codes were amended to apply relevant changes made to the national model WHS Regulations over the past few years, and to reflect the publication of the WHS Code, Managing psychosocial hazards at work, which was made in the ACT in late 2023. See a summary below. 

1. Confined spaces;

• • Psychosocial hazards added: Risks such as poor environmental conditions, low job control, high job demands, and remote or isolated work are now recognised as contributing to physical and psychological injuries  

• • Expanded risk management: Greater emphasis on the hierarchy of controls, including elimination and minimisation strategies. 

• • Updated entry procedures: Enhanced requirements for entry permits, isolation, atmospheric testing, and emergency procedures. 

2. Construction work ;

• • Psychosocial integration: The Code now acknowledges psychosocial risks in construction environments, especially in high-risk work and remote sites  

• • Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS): Expanded guidance on preparing and reviewing SWMS to include psychosocial considerations. 

• • WHS Management Plans: Must now address both physical and psychosocial risks, including consultation and communication strategies. 

3. How to manage work health and safety risks;

• • Psychosocial hazards formally included: The risk management process now explicitly covers psychosocial hazards such as bullying, harassment, and job demands 

• • Hierarchy of controls: Reinforced as the preferred method for managing all risks, including psychosocial. 

• • Consultation duties: Stronger emphasis on consulting workers about psychosocial risks and controls. 

4. Managing noise and preventing hearing loss;

• • Psychosocial context added: Recognises that noise can contribute to psychosocial stress, fatigue, and reduced concentration  

• • Expanded risk factors: Includes ototoxic substances and vibration as compounding factors for hearing loss. 

• • Audiometric testing: More detailed guidance on when and how to conduct testing, with psychosocial implications considered. 

5. Managing the risks of plant in the workplace; 

• • Psychosocial risks acknowledged: Risks such as stress from operating complex machinery or working in isolation are now included  

• • Lifecycle approach: Risk management now spans from design and purchase to disposal, with psychosocial factors considered throughout. 

• • Specific controls: Enhanced guidance on guarding, emergency stops, and warning devices, with psychosocial stressors like job control and workload addressed. 

6. Managing the work environment and facilities

• • Psychosocial hazards integrated: Includes risks from poor lighting, ventilation, temperature extremes, and inadequate facilities  

• • Remote and isolated work: Specific guidance added for managing psychosocial risks in these contexts. 

• • Facilities requirements: Updated standards for toilets, drinking water, eating areas, and personal storage to support mental wellbeing. 

We encourage all members to regularly review the Codes, along with your company procedures and SWMS, to ensure you remain compliant and keep safety front of mind. 

If you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to get in touch. The Master Builders ACT Workplace Relations Team is here to support you with any questions about your WHS obligations. You can reach us on 6175 5900 or at workplace@mba.org.au.