New code of practice to address psychosocial hazards

Across Australia and New Zealand there are sweeping changes in how we manage people risk - are you ready?

A guideline to manage the Psychosocial Risk landscape in Australia has been led by Safe Work Australia through the National Model Code of Practice to address Psychosocial Hazards.

Aligned with the international standard ISO45003:2021, this new Code of Practice has a clearly defined approach that organisations need to follow to manage their people risks. SafeWork NSW has recently released their Psychological Health and Safety Strategy 2024-2026 that outlines the regulator’s increased commitment to reviewing workplace Psychosocial Risk Management.

With this increased lens on psychological health and safety at work, people leaders in the region need to be equipped to manage psychosocial risk. Directors, Officers, and people leaders play a critical role in supporting the PCBU adopt a risk management process. This includes eliminating psychosocial risks, so far as is reasonably practicable, or if it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate psychosocial risks, by minimising them.

Organisations now need to address and implement a strategy to address workplace Psychosocial Risk Management.

Bringing people leaders up to speed

To support organisations to achieve their obligations to leaders and provide them with the tools and training to develop and implement strategies to meet the new Code of Pratice, Howden together with Bond University have created a specialised course Leadership in Psychosocial Risk Management.

Developed to meet the Code of Practice and released in July 2024, this 10-hour eLearning program is the first step in equipping leaders with the skills leaders need to:

• Identify psychosocial hazards
• Identify behaviour change and work-related stress
• Learn strategies to support effective communication for empowering their team
• Understand strategies to promote psychosocial risk management and build resilient organisations

This course is also applicable to our global clients who have people leaders managing teams in Australia, and are not aware of regional changes in legislation. 

Next steps

Howden and Bond University have provided a range of program delivery supports, to assist in embedding this program delivery. This can include additional face to face training for teams and individuals, to enhance the experiential nature of the course. Follow the link below to learn more about this program offering by downloading the Course Brochure. 

You can also click here to register to complete the course through the online portal.