QLD Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Psychosocial Hazards at Work

Workplace Health and Safety – Queensland Code of Practice – Commenced 1 April 2023

Under section 26A of the WHS Act, a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must:

·         comply with an approved code of practice; or

·         manage hazards and risks arising from the work carried out as part of the business or undertaking in a way that is different to the code but provides an equivalent or higher standard of work health and safety than the standard required in the code.

 A code of practice applies to anyone who has a duty of care in the circumstances described in the code. In most cases, following an approved code of practice would achieve compliance with the health and safety duties in the WHS Act in relation to the subject matter of the code. Like regulations, codes of practice deal with particular issues and do not cover all hazards or risks that may arise. The health and safety duties require duty holders to consider all risks associated with work, not only those for which regulations and codes of practice exist.