Queensland's Psychosocial Hazards Legislation

Queensland’s updated Code of Practice makes psychosocial hazards a formal WHS obligation, but many employers are still unsure what the changes actually require.

Without clear guidance, workplaces risk non-compliance, rising mental-health issues, and preventable incidents tied to workload, conflict, poor support, and organisational stress.

This guide breaks down the QLD psychosocial hazard requirements into simple, practical steps so businesses can understand their duties, reduce risk, and create safer, healthier workplaces.

What’s Changed in QLD? The New Legal Framework

From 1 April 2023, Queensland introduced a new Code of Practice that sets clear rules for managing psychosocial hazards at work. 

The Code doesn’t create new laws, but it explains exactly how employers (PCBUs) must meet their existing WHS duty to protect both physical and psychological health. 

Importantly, these requirements are now enforceable, meaning businesses must actively manage psychosocial risks or face potential WHS consequences.

Why the New QLD Code Matters — For Workers and Employers

The new Queensland Code places psychological health on the same level as physical safety, making it clear that mental-health risks must be taken seriously.

It removes uncertainty for employers by providing clear, practical guidance on what “reasonable steps” to manage psychosocial hazards actually look like.

Because the Code is legally enforceable under WHS laws, businesses can face penalties if they fail to comply.

For workers, the Code increases awareness, supports safer reporting, and ensures employers are required to act to protect psychological wellbeing of staff.

What QLD Employers Must Do - The 4-Step Risk Process

Queensland requires employers to manage psychosocial hazards using the same four steps as any WHS risk:

1. Identify hazards through observations, data, and worker feedback.
2. Assess how likely the harm is, how severe it could be, and who is affected.
3. Control the risks, prioritising practical, higher-level solutions over paperwork alone.
4. Review controls regularly to ensure they remain effective.

Psychosocial risk management must be ongoing, not a one-off activity.

What Is a Psychosocial Hazard Under QLD’s Code?

The Code defines a psychosocial hazard as any hazard arising from work design or management, work environment, plant, or workplace interactions - that may lead to psychological harm (even if no physical harm).

Common psychosocial hazards listed in the Code include:

• High job demands
• Bullying, harassment, verbal aggression
• Violence or aggression
• Poor supervisory support
• Exposure to trauma
• Low role clarity or conflicting priorities
• Remote or isolated work
• Poor organisational change management
• Poor organisational justice
• Insecure work or job uncertainty
• Unsafe physical environment

Because psychosocial hazards can be subtle, cumulative, or intermittent, they may lead to harm over time — not always immediately. 

Practical Steps for Queensland Workplaces

Conduct a psychosocial risk audit across workload, job design, support, change management, and past incidents.

Consult with employees through surveys, discussions, or open feedback channels.

Apply the hierarchy of controls to reduce or eliminate identified risks.

Update policies covering bullying, harassment, psychological safety, complaints, and support access.

Monitor key indicators such as turnover, absenteeism, EAP usage, and reported issues.

Review risks and controls regularly and keep ongoing consultation part of normal WHS practice.

Manage Risks Effectively With Foremind 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by surveys, spreadsheets, incident logs, and scattered wellbeing tools, the new QLD Code only adds more complexity. 

Foremind consolidates everything into one simple platform — psychosocial risk assessments, anonymous feedback, hazard reporting, EAP insights, and compliance tracking.

Instead of juggling multiple systems, Foremind gives you a single, clear view of your workforce and a practical way to meet QLD’s psychosocial safety requirements with confidence.

‍