Relevant legislation

Find out more about the legislation relevant to mental health in Queensland places of work.

Psychological hazards and factors in the workplace can create a physical or psychological risk to workers. The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 imposes a legal duty on business operators to do what is reasonably practicable to eliminate or minimise these risks. This legislation defines 'health' to include physical and psychological health.

The How to manage work health and safety risks code of practice 2021 (PDF, 0.65 MB) (the Code) sets the standard for systematically managing psychosocial risks in the workplace. The Code should be followed in conjunction with hazard specific guidance material on work-related stress, bullying, violence, and fatigue.

See also, Safe Work Australia's Preventing psychological injury under work health and safety laws fact sheet and Psychological health and safety guide: A systematic approach to meeting your duties.