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NSW first in Australia to adopt model WHS laws

NSW Department of Customer Service

NSW will be one of the first jurisdictions in Australia to implement recent changes to the national model WHS regulations, which recognise psychosocial hazards in the workplace and require businesses to implement control measures to manage risks.

Head of SafeWork NSW, Natasha Mann said businesses are already implementing the NSW Code of Practice: Managing psychosocial hazards at work, with new laws which provide workplaces with clarity on their obligations and specifying control measures they could use.

“Psychosocial risks and hazards can cause a stress response leading to psychological or physical harm. They can stem from the work itself in the way it is designed and managed, from hazardous working environments, equipment use and social factors in the workplace,” Ms Mann said.

“The new regulations require businesses to, as far as reasonably practicable, eliminate psychosocial risks and advise what should be considered when putting in place appropriate control measures.

“The changes will also complement the establishment of SafeWork NSW’s Respect

/Public Release.