From 1 December 2025, psychosocial hazards will become an explicit and regulated occupational health and safety risk in Victoria. These changes under the state’s OHS framework mean all employers, including those in civil construction, must proactively identify, assess and manage risks to the psychological health of their workers.
What is changing
The new regulations and compliance code in psychological health make psychosocial hazards a defined category under Victoria’s OHS legislation. WorkSafe Victoria will be able to audit businesses to ensure they have appropriate systems and controls in place. This means contractors must be ready to demonstrate how they identify and manage risks related to psychological wellbeing in the workplace.
Why this matters
The data is clear. Psychological injury claims are on the rise and have become one of the costliest workplace issues across Australian industries. These claims typically result in four times more time lost than physical injury claims and cost nearly four times as much on average. The impact extends beyond individual workers, affecting productivity, culture, and retention across entire teams.
Understanding psychosocial hazards
Psychosocial hazards are not limited to bullying or harassment. They include any factor in work design, systems, management or interpersonal interactions that may cause psychological harm. In civil construction, common hazards may include long hours, fatigue, isolation, poor role clarity, excessive workload, lack of support, or ineffective change management.
Legal duties and risk management
Under the new regulations, employers must:
- Identify psychosocial hazards within their workplace.
- Assess the level of risk these hazards pose.
- Control or eliminate those risks, so far as reasonably practicable.
- Review and continuously improve the effectiveness of those controls.
Consultation is also a key legal requirement. Employers must engage with their workforce, including contractors and health and safety representatives, to identify risks and design practical control measures. This can be achieved through anonymous surveys, reporting boxes, toolbox discussions and regular feedback sessions.
Controls for the civil construction industry
Civil construction presents unique challenges. Workers may be required to travel long distances, work extended hours, and operate in high-pressure environments. Practical control measures include:
- Adjusting rosters to reduce fatigue and isolation
- Clarifying roles and responsibilities
- Improving supervision and mentoring systems
- Providing rest facilities and support resources
- Implementing clear policies on bullying, fatigue and change management
- Training supervisors to recognise early signs of risk
Enforcement and compliance
Regulators in other states have already issued improvement notices for psychosocial risks such as fatigue, poor supervision and high job demands. WorkSafe Victoria is expected to adopt a similar approach. Contractors should ensure they can produce documentation that demonstrates risk assessments, consultation records, and actions taken to address psychosocial hazards.
Shared responsibility and leadership
Supervisors and managers play a critical role in maintaining a safe psychological environment. They are often the first to observe early warning signs and must be equipped to respond appropriately. Leaders also need to be aware that personal accountability applies, and individuals can be held responsible for certain conduct or decisions that affect workplace safety.
Taking action now
Preparation should begin NOW. CCF Victoria encourages all members to:
- Review their current OHS systems and policies
- Conduct consultation and psychosocial risk assessments
- Provide leadership and supervisor training
- Embed the principles of psychological safety across their culture
To support members in preparing for and complying with the new Occupational Health and Safety (Psychological Health) Regulations. CCF Victoria have partnered with Lysander to deliver a one-day workshop that will help leaders build the awareness, capability, and confidence to manage psychological hazards and foster mentally healthy, compliant workplaces across the civil construction industry.
Leadership Psychological Safety Workshop Details
Date: Monday, 1 December 2025
Time: 9.00am to 5.00pm
Venue: CCF Vic – Notting Hill
Places are limited - secure your spot now – Click here for more information or to register
Additional support for members
CCF Victoria continues to work closely with industry partners, legal specialists and workplace training providers to ensure members are informed and supported through this change. For resources, guidance or training options, check out our FAQ’s here in CivilHQ or contact membership@ccfvic.com.au or call (03) 9588 7600.