Australian WHS Strategy 2023-2033: Case studies

Target: 

8 - All Safe Work Australia Members take action to build the capability of PCBUs, regulators and workers to strengthen compliance with the duty to manage psychosocial risks at work.

Summary 

Comcare has a specialist Psychosocial Regulation team of inspectors dedicated to improving psychological health in the Commonwealth WHS jurisdiction. In 2024, the team focused on uplifting capability and strengthening Comcare’s approach to psychosocial regulation. Key activities included providing specialist support and expertise on regulatory matters, delivering trauma informed regulation training to Comcare inspectors, and educating the inspectorate on the regulation of psychosocial risks, including recent changes to WHS legislation.

The team also supported and delivered a range of activities to provide information and advice within their jurisdiction and to uplift capability in managing psychosocial risks. This included presentations to employers and representation of Comcare at various events to build capacity in psychosocial risk management and strengthen connections with key stakeholders across WHS regulators.

In addition, a Psychosocial Inspection Program was piloted in 2023. The program aimed to promote and enable health and safety at work through proactive, systems based regulation to prevent psychological injury and illness. Due to its success, the team progressed to full scale implementation of the program in 2024.

Link: Psychosocial Inspection Program | Comcare

Actions

	01 Information and Awareness	Delivered presentations and training to uplift understanding of psychosocial risks
	02 National coordination	-
	03 Data and intelligence gathering	Collected and used data related to psychosocial hazards for the purposes of psychosocial regulation
	04 Health and safety leadership	Led strategic initiatives and capacity-building across Comcare and its jurisdiction
	05 Compliance and enforcement	Supported inspectors, developed enforcement tools, and piloted a proactive inspection program

Target: 

8 - All Safe Work Australia Members take action to build the capability of PCBUs, regulators and workers to strengthen compliance with the duty to manage psychosocial risks at work.

Summary 

A Train the Trainer program was developed and delivered to trainers to equip health and safety representatives (HSRs) with the skills and knowledge to identify psychosocial hazards and support their effective management in the workplace. The program aligns with the 2023 amendments to the WHS Regulations 2011 and supports the Commonwealth Codes of Practice on Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work and Sexual and Gender based Harassment.

The program comprised a range of supporting resources, including e learning modules, trainer guides, fact sheets and case studies, as well as in person workshops delivered in each state and territory. Selected resources are available through Commonwealth channels to support ongoing education for employers and workers.

Actions

	01 Information and Awareness	Developed and delivered training to HSR trainers to increase understanding of psychosocial hazards
	02 National coordination	-
	03 Data and intelligence gathering	-
	04 Health and safety leadership	Promoted leadership in psychosocial risk management
	05 Compliance and enforcement	-

Target: 

7 - All Safe Work Australia Members take action to increase the awareness of PCBUs about their duty to protect workers from exposure to harmful substances coinciding with the introduction of new workplace exposure standards.

Summary 

The ACT has taken a phased and strategic approach to raising awareness and enforcing employers’ responsibilities for managing exposure to harmful substances, particularly respirable crystalline silica (RCS). In October 2023, mandatory silica awareness training was introduced for specified occupations, requiring workers to complete the nationally accredited 10830NAT – Course in Crystalline Silica Exposure Prevention. This initiative ensures workers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to identify silica related hazards and implement appropriate risk management controls.

In November 2023, the ACT released a Code of Practice for managing silica dust risks across all industries. The Code extended beyond engineered stone to support broader, risk based management of silica exposure in a wide range of workplaces. In July 2024, the Code of Practice was updated following the national ban on engineered stone benchtops, slabs, and panels.

Actions

	01 Information and Awareness	Strategy prioritises clear, targeted communication to build WHS understanding across all sectors
	02 National coordination	-
	03 Data and intelligence gathering	-
	04 Health and safety leadership	Calls for leadership from governments, industry, and employers to foster proactive safety culture and embed WHS into everyday business practices
	05 Compliance and enforcement	A consistent and coordinated regulatory approach is essential to ensure duty holders meet their obligations and drive improvements in high-risk sectors

Target: 

8 - All Safe Work Australia Members take action to build the capability of PCBUs, regulators and workers to strengthen compliance with the duty to manage psychosocial risks at work.

Summary 

In November 2023, the new Psychosocial Hazards Code of Practice 2023 commenced for workplaces in the ACT.

WorkSafe ACT implemented the new Code, strengthening employer and inspector capability across a range of industries. Growth within the inspectorate enabled proactive, intelligence led inspections with a focus on violence, aggression, and psychological harm. Based on 2023/24 to 2024/25 data, inspectors conducted 310 workplace visits, resulting in 417 improvement notices and 30 enforcement actions in this period.

Sexual assault notifications became mandatory in the ACT from 9 June 2023, with 210 notifications received and 10 infringement notices issued as at 30 June 2025. Public engagement activities included participation in expos, podcasts and targeted outreach initiatives aimed at vulnerable workers. Psychosocial safety has also been established as a strategic priority in WorkSafe ACT’s 2025–29 Strategic Plan.

Actions

	01 Information and Awareness	Through factsheets, posters, podcasts, and public engagement, WorkSafe ACT is actively raising awareness of psychosocial risks and employers’ duties
	02 National coordination	-
	03 Data and intelligence gathering	-
	04 Health and safety leadership	The expansion of inspectorate capability, national leadership on triaging psychosocial cases, and strategic prioritisation reflect WHS leadership
	05 Compliance and enforcement	Proactive inspections, regulatory notices, and enforcement of new reporting requirements demonstrate a compliance approach

Target: 

7 - All Safe Work Australia Members take action to increase the awareness of PCBUs about their duty to protect workers from exposure to harmful substances coinciding with the introduction of new workplace exposure standards.

Summary 

In 2024, a targeted awareness campaign was launched for employers in the construction and engineered stone sector. The campaign involved direct engagement with more than 250 businesses, the distribution of tailored educational materials, and a series of regional workshops co hosted with industry partners. Inspectors also conducted proactive site visits to assess compliance and provide tailored guidance on effective dust control measures. The initiative promoted the use of updated air monitoring technologies and encouraged employers to review and strengthen their risk management plans. Overall, the campaign contributed to a measurable reduction in silica dust levels across monitored sites.

Actions

	01 Information and Awareness	Campaign raised awareness of WHS duties, distributed education materials, and clarified responsibilities
	02 National coordination	Regional workshops co-hosted with industry partners
	03 Data and intelligence gathering	Site visits and compliance assessments informed understanding of silica risks; monitoring showed reduction in silica dust levels
	04 Health and safety leadership	The campaign demonstrated leadership by regulators and empowered Employers to take ownership of WHS
	05 Compliance and enforcement	Inspectors conducted site visits and provided tailored guidance

Target: 

8 - All Safe Work Australia Members take action to build the capability of PCBUs, regulators and workers to strengthen compliance with the duty to manage psychosocial risks at work.

Summary 

Several new systems were developed and implemented to better support Helpline staff and inspectors. These included a new procedure manual, a Helpline script, a psychosocial hazards complaint form, a triage assessment form, and a suite of template letters and notices. Targeted training was also delivered to teams. In addition, the monthly Safety Spotlight e newsletter featured a dedicated article on psychosocial hazards.

Actions

	01 Information and Awareness	Directly supports raising awareness of psychosocial hazards and WHS duties
	02 National coordination	Development of standardised procedures, scripts, and templates supports consistent regulatory practices aligned with broader WHS frameworks
	03 Data and intelligence gathering	Development of complaint and triage forms to capture psychosocial hazard data and support assessment
	04 Health and safety leadership	Builds a culture of WHS leadership and promotes systematic risk management
	05 Compliance and enforcement	Supports enforcement of new psychosocial hazard regulations

Target: 

7 - All Safe Work Australia Members take action to increase the awareness of PCBUs about their duty to protect workers from exposure to harmful substances coinciding with the introduction of new workplace exposure standards.

Summary 

Western Australia amended the WHS General Regulations 2022 to ban engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs from 1 July 2024, following a national agreement by WHS Ministers in December 2023 in response to rising silicosis cases. Transitional arrangements allowed legacy contracts to continue until 31 December 2024.

To support compliance, WorkSafe’s Occupational Health and Hygiene Team conducted a proactive inspection program between October 2024 and April 2025. A total of 32 workplaces were inspected, all of which had transitioned to compliant alternative materials and were observed using wet methods to control dust exposure.

These regulatory changes are expected to significantly reduce the incidence of silicosis among Western Australian workers.

Further amendments to the WA WHS (General) Regulations 2022 commenced from 1 September 2024. This broadened the scope of specific crystalline silica regulation from the engineered stone sector to any industry where crystalline silica substances (CSS) are processed.

Consequently, WorkSafe’s Occupational Health and Hygiene Team proactive inspection program was re-tasked to consider crystalline silica substance risks across the broader range of industry rather than singular focus on engineered stone.

The team conducted inspections in 2025–2026 to assess compliance with the CSS Regulations introduced in September 2024.

A total of 38 workplaces were inspected, resulting in 64 improvement notices and one prohibition notice, primarily for failures in risk assessment and dust control. 

Compliance with core regulatory requirements was low. Over half of workplaces had not assessed whether processing was “high risk,” and consequently lacked silica risk control plans and appropriate training. Nearly one-third were conducting uncontrolled processing without adequate dust suppression.

Deficiencies were also identified in respiratory protective equipment, with limited fit testing, improper use, and poor maintenance. Health and air monitoring were largely absent, reflecting both a lack of risk assessment and limited awareness of obligations. 

The findings indicate widespread gaps in understanding of the CSS Regulations, particularly among smaller businesses, alongside structural issues that make the regulations difficult to interpret and enforce.

Overall, the project highlights low compliance and demonstrates the need for targeted education, inspector capability building, and regulatory amendment to improve clarity and enforceability.

Actions

	01 Information and Awareness	The 2025-26 proactive project identified a need for further awareness raising across industries in relation to respirable crystalline silica risk
	02 National coordination	WA WHS regulation was amended to include specific crystalline silica substance regulation, in line with mode WHS legislation.
	03 Data and intelligence gathering	-
	04 Health and safety leadership	-
	05 Compliance and enforcement	WA amended the WHS General Regulations to ban engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs and performed proactive inspections

Target: 

8 - All Safe Work Australia Members take action to build the capability of PCBUs, regulators and workers to strengthen compliance with the duty to manage psychosocial risks at work.

Summary 

This campaign focused on addressing psychosocial hazards in high risk industries where complaint volumes are high and underreporting is likely. The objective was to improve awareness of psychosocial risks, strengthen compliance with WHS obligations, and build effective partnerships to support better risk management. The project commenced in 2024–25 and continued into 2025–26.

To date, 34 workplace inspections have been conducted, resulting in 11 improvement notices being issued to address gaps in systems, reporting mechanisms and the review of risk controls. Workplaces were also provided with relevant codes of practice and guidance materials covering psychosocial risks, violence, harassment, and appropriate workplace behaviour. Inspection findings indicated varied levels of employer understanding of psychosocial WHS obligations, with collaborative and education focused regulatory approaches proving effective in supporting improved compliance.

Actions

	01 Information and Awareness	The campaign raised awareness through inspections and tailored guidance, helping workplaces better understand and meet their WHS responsibilities
	02 National coordination	-
	03 Data and intelligence gathering	The campaign built on and contributed to existing regulatory intelligence, identifying psychosocial risk in sectors such as health care, public administration, and agriculture.
	04 Health and safety leadership	The campaign demonstrated regulatory leadership by proactively addressing psychosocial risks and building employers’ capability to manage them
	05 Compliance and enforcement	The campaign used inspections and improvement notices to enforce WHS duties around psychosocial hazards, while also educating employers to improve long-term compliance

Target: 

8 - All Safe Work Australia Members take action to build the capability of PCBUs, regulators and workers to strengthen compliance with the duty to manage psychosocial risks at work.

Summary 

In December 2025, the Psychological Health Regulations were introduced into Victoria. These regulations sought to clarify and strengthen existing obligations to improve psychological health and safety.
WorkSafe Victoria then developed a suite of non-statutory guidance, tools, resources and education programs, including Psychological Health Basics, to support Victorian employers to understand and comply with their obligations – especially small and medium businesses with less capacity and capability.

Psychological Health Basics is a free 2.5-hour online interactive workshop delivered by independent psychological health and safety specialists.

It is designed to support small business owners and leaders from medium-sized businesses to learn about their psychological health obligations, improve their capability to identify psychosocial hazards and take action to implement control measures. These sessions were planned to run fortnightly for the first three months, with interim evaluation planned for June to confirm ongoing need and refinements.

When the program launched in March 2026, the response was immediate - all sessions booked instantly, signalling a clear demand from employers for practical guidance on psychological health and safety. In response, WorkSafe added 10 more sessions to be completed by 30 June 2026, with weekly sessions planned thereafter until June 2027.

By the end of May 2026, 14 out of 16 sessions will have been delivered, with an average of 40 participants at each. Initial insights from those who participated reveal strong results. The most significant change is an increase in awareness and understanding of psychological health obligations, and intention to act. We have observed less growth in confidence to assess risk and implement risk controls, which is expected given the nuance and complexity of this subject matter. Beyond the positive statistical increases, WorkSafe has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from surveyed participants including from union members and other training providers - on content, delivery and accessibility.

The results confirm the high demand for psychological OHS education and validate the current delivery model to achieve its planned learning outcomes. Scalable options are needed to meet demand, as well as different delivery models to support different learning needs and capture those who have not/will not/could not attend.

Program impact is being tracked at every stage, with pre and post workshop surveys and a three-month follow-up to assess sustained change.

Early results show strong shifts in both knowledge and intent, including:

• Understanding of psychosocial hazards and their impact increased from 67% pre-workshop to 90% post-workshop
• Awareness of OHS obligations related to psychological health rose from 50% to 89%

The workshops are also driving action.

• Intent to follow a structured risk management process increased from 62% to 84%
• Intent to implement higher-order controls more than doubled, rising from 27% to 62%

These early indicators suggest the program is not only building understanding but prompting meaningful workplace change.

Target: 

7 - All Safe Work Australia Members take action to increase the awareness of PCBUs about their duty to protect workers from exposure to harmful substances coinciding with the introduction of new workplace exposure standards.

Summary 

Welding fumes represent an occupational hazard across multiple industries and exposure can contribute to significant short-term and long-term chronic health effects. In 2024, the workplace exposure standard (WES) for welding fumes was reduced from an 8-hour time weighted average of 5 mg/m3 to 1 mg/m3. WorkSafe’s strategic visit project aimed to increase duty holder knowledge of risk management and controls relating to welding fumes following the reduction of the WES. The project saw 759 total visits across 289 workplaces between April 2024 – December 2025. 

As part of the project, a medium-sized machinery and equipment manufacturer received a strategic visit aimed at improving compliance with OHS obligations relating to welding fume exposure.

During the initial inspection, inspectors reviewed the welding operations undertaken in the workplace, including atmospheric monitoring, health monitoring, exposure controls, ventilation, and respiratory protective equipment. Although some controls were in place, the duty holder was hesitant to implement higher order controls. However, they were unable to demonstrate that existing controls were sufficient to ensure exposures remained below the relevant standards.

WorkSafe’s inspector provided guidance on legislative obligations in relation to implementing higher order controls so far as is reasonably practicable, and discussed the benefits of on tool fume extraction, ease of implementation, and reduced exposure to fumes for all workers. An improvement notice was issued as the duty holder had not, so far as is reasonably practicable, eliminated or reduced the risk associated with exposure to welding fumes.

At follow-up, the duty holder had implemented on-torch fume extraction on MIG welding units, achieving compliance with the notice. They also demonstrated proactive improvements by extending these controls to TIG welding units. In addition, purpose-built trolleys were also introduced to enable the relocation of welding equipment and fume extraction equipment across the workplace and on-site to further support the management of welding fume exposure.

Target: 

7 - All Safe Work Australia Members take action to increase the awareness of PCBUs about their duty to protect workers from exposure to harmful substances coinciding with the introduction of new workplace exposure standards.

Summary 

Silica awareness resources are being launched to assist employers to understand and comply with new regulatory requirements. The campaign includes comprehensive fact sheets and guidance materials that explain the health risks associated with silica exposure, outline the implications of the new exposure standard, and provide practical steps for effective risk management.

As part of this initiative, ACCI has collaborated with the Australian Industry Group to develop complementary educational videos aligned with the fact sheet content. The resources can be found here: Silica Awareness 

Actions

	01 Information and Awareness	Developing a suite of silica awareness resources aimed at assisting employers to understand and comply with their new regulatory requirements
	02 National coordination	-
	03 Data and intelligence gathering	-
	04 Health and safety leadership	The project sets a benchmark for collaborative, strategic action ensuring that businesses are not only informed but equipped to meet their obligations under new regulations
	05 Compliance and enforcement	Campaign helps employers to understand and comply with their new regulatory requirements

Target: 

8 - All Safe Work Australia Members take action to build the capability of PCBUs, regulators and workers to strengthen compliance with the duty to manage psychosocial risks at work.

Summary 

During Safe Work Month in October, ACCI spotlighted 5 member led initiatives to showcase leadership in managing psychosocial risks and improving mental wellbeing. The spotlight features industry associations and their programs, including AREEA’s Mental Health Framework and Maturity Assessment Tool, which supports benchmarking and strengthening mental health strategies; the Australian Veterinary Association’s THRIVE program promoting wellbeing in veterinary workplaces; CMEWA’s Resourceful Mind, a peer support initiative for remote workers in the resources sector; and the Housing Industry Association’s Building Mentally Healthy Environments program, which supports mental health in construction.

Business NSW is also being highlighted for its Navigating Workplace Wellness initiative, which supports small and medium sized businesses through comprehensive workplace wellness strategies. The spotlight aims to celebrate positive safety efforts, share scalable and sector specific solutions, and build WHS capability across industries. The initiative encourages shared learning and proactive engagement with psychosocial risk management to support mentally healthy workplaces of all sizes.

Actions

	01 Information and Awareness	Fosters shared learning and encourages proactive engagement with psychosocial risk management
	02 National coordination	-
	03 Data and intelligence gathering	-
	04 Health and safety leadership	Ensures that businesses of all sizes are equipped to meet their WHS obligations and support mentally healthy workplaces
	05 Compliance and enforcement	-

Target: 

7 - All Safe Work Australia Members take action to increase the awareness of PCBUs about their duty to protect workers from exposure to harmful substances coinciding with the introduction of new workplace exposure standards.

Summary 

The campaign was a union led initiative focused on preventing silicosis. Unions, and in particular the Australian Workers Union (AWU) and the CFMEU, along with public health organisations worked collaboratively to advocate for a ban on the processing of engineered stone and stronger protections for all workers exposed to Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS). In 2022, the ACTU commissioned modelling by Curtin University, which estimated that up to 103,000 Australian workers could be diagnosed with silicosis and more than 10,000 could develop lung cancer if exposure levels were not reduced. The union campaign focused on key national decision making forums and a coordinated multi channel media strategy. The campaign was successful, leading to WHS Ministers announcing a ban on the processing of engineered stone.

Actions

	01 Information and Awareness	Raised public and political awareness of silicosis and engineered stone risks
	02 National coordination	Unified efforts across unions, experts, and media to influence national WHS policy
	03 Data and intelligence gathering	Commissioned modelling to quantify risk and support advocacy
	04 Health and safety leadership	Demonstrated leadership in driving systemic WHS reform
	05 Compliance and enforcement	-

Target: 

7 - All Safe Work Australia Members take action to increase the awareness of PCBUs about their duty to protect workers from exposure to harmful substances coinciding with the introduction of new workplace exposure standards.

Summary 

The project advanced employers’ awareness and understanding of their WHS duties in relation to respirable crystalline silica. A multi faceted approach was used, combining education, resource development and targeted outreach to deliver practical tools and information that supported compliance. Key initiatives included the development and distribution of comprehensive resource kits tailored to changes in each state’s regulatory requirements, as well as the delivery of training sessions for health and safety representatives across multiple states.

The project also delivered presentations and workshops for union members, delegates, legal officers and officials to strengthen engagement with employers and reinforce key compliance messages. In addition, a targeted social media campaign was implemented to broaden reach and awareness. Overall, the project strengthened understanding of WHS responsibilities and promoted a more proactive approach to risk management.

Actions

	01 Information and Awareness	Delivered training, resources, and campaigns to raise awareness of silica risks
	02 National coordination	Multi-state delivery and collaboration with unions and officials
	03 Data and intelligence gathering	-
	04 Health and safety leadership	Empowered employers and workers to proactively manage silica exposure
	05 Compliance and enforcement	-

Target: 

8 - All Safe Work Australia Members take action to build the capability of PCBUs, regulators and workers to strengthen compliance with the duty to manage psychosocial risks at work.

Summary 

The initiative was a national campaign designed to support workers, their representatives, and employers to understand, identify and manage psychosocial hazards in the workplace. Its core aim was to place mental health on an equal footing with physical safety by treating psychosocial hazards as WHS risks that require prevention and control.

Piloted in Victoria, the program supported participating worksites to establish a baseline psychosocial safety score through independent data collection and analysis conducted by the University of South Australia, using the validated Psychosocial Safety Climate (PSC 12) framework. The pilot delivered several key outcomes, including stronger consultation processes, clearer policies, improved leadership engagement, and enhanced employer understanding of compliance obligations. Following its success, the program has since been implemented in other jurisdictions.

A key deliverable of the initiative was the establishment of a National Psychosocial WHS community of practice. This platform provides practical, legislation aligned tools to support workplaces, including risk assessment templates, control planning documents, guidance on applying the hierarchy of control, educational posters, and links to state based regulatory resources.

Weblink: Mind Your Head - Workplace Mental Health and Psychosocial Safety

Actions

	01 Information and Awareness	Developed tools, resources, and a national website to raise awareness of psychosocial risks
	02 National coordination	Enabled collaboration through a national Community of Practice and shared resources
	03 Data and intelligence gathering	Used validated tools and academic partnerships to collect and analyse psychosocial safety data
	04 Health and safety leadership	Promoted prevention, consultation, and leadership engagement in psychosocial risk management
	05 Compliance and enforcement	-

Target: 

8 - All Safe Work Australia Members take action to build the capability of PCBUs, regulators and workers to strengthen compliance with the duty to manage psychosocial risks at work.

Summary 

Australian Industry Group has conducted a series of initiatives to increase awareness of psychosocial risks. In August 2024A we delivered a workshop on the collaborative management of psychosocial risks to senior HR professionals that was co facilitated with an Australian Industry Group Safe Work Australia Member and Respect@Work specialists. In November 2024, a series of WHS Roadshows were delivered in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Adelaide, attracting over 300 registrations. The roadshows engage Australian Industry Group members on key issues under the National WHS Strategy and increase understanding of psychosocial risks among medium sized businesses. The Roadshows were expanded to include Perth and delivered again in October/November 2025. An online psychosocial risk forum was convened in March 2025, trialling an interactive format using Slido questions and breakout rooms, and featuring a legislative overview delivered by Australian Industry  Group staff. The forum additionally included presentations from 2 external speakers who shared practical experiences implementing psychosocial risk control programs in workplaces.

Actions

	01 Information and Awareness	Supports the goal of increasing awareness and capacity to manage psychosocial hazards
	02 National coordination	Builds WHS leadership and promotes proactive, systematic approaches to risk management
	03 Data and intelligence gathering	-
	04 Health and safety leadership	Promotes cross-sector and cross-jurisdictional collaboration on WHS challenges
	05 Compliance and enforcement	-