Back in August 2025, we updated you on the new requirement for mandatory compliance with Codes of Practice. In NSW and QLD, Codes of Practice are now the minimum standard of safety you must comply with. You can go beyond what the Code states, but as a minimum, you must comply the with standard of safety detailed in a Code Of Practice.
Many organisations as still unaware of this requirement.
This leaves them exposed to risk of non-compliance. This is particularly widespread in relation to the Code of Practice for Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work.
And now SafeWork NSW and WorkCover QLD have approved new Codes of Practice requiring mandatory compliance.
In NSW, the new Codes of Practice recently launched are:
- The Healthcare and Social Assistance Industry
- Managing Fatigue at Work
- Managing risks of respirable crystalline silica in the workplace
In Queensland, the new Codes of Practice include:
- Electrical Safety Code of Practice – Working near overhead powerlines
- Electrical Safety Code of Practice – Managing electrical risks at work
If these hazards are present in your workplace, you should ensure you download and review these Codes of Practice. But let’s not forget, there are many other Codes of Practice approved by our safety regulators. They all require compliance. Codes common to most workplaces and industries include:
- How to Manage WHS Risks
- Hazardous Manual Tasks
- Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
- Sexual and Gender Based harassment
- First Aid at Work
- WHS Consultation
Three steps you can take right now to support your compliance to Codes of Practice:
- Establish a program of review of all relevant Codes of Practice
- Review your workplace practices and procedures to assess your compliance to the Code
- Conduct WHS Risk Assessments when in doubt
And don’t forget the importance of consultation with workers through all of these steps.
Want More Guidance or Support?
Reach out to us at The Mindful Risk Group if you would like to chat about your WHS Management System. We can complete a Gap Analysis to support your compliance needs.
Have a great week,
Bron and the Team
