The NSW Government has launched a new framework to improve mental health at work.

NSW is the first state in Australia to introduce an industry-wide Code of Practice to formally clarify the legal responsibilities businesses have to address hazards in the workplace that have the potential to cause psychological or physical harm.

“This Code comes after our research found only one in five NSW businesses reported having a basic awareness on how to control work-related psychological health risks and less than ten per cent of all workplaces said they have an established approach to handling these issues,” Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation Kevin Anderson said.

“Every workplace in NSW has a legal duty of care to their employees to protect them from psychosocial hazards such as bullying and harassment, violence in the workplace and importantly, remote and isolated work.

“This new Code sets out what employers need to be doing under the state’s Work Health and Safety legislation to protect their workers. It will also be used in court as evidence if workplaces fail to take their responsibilities seriously.”

The code is accessible here.