In 2026, SafeWork NSW psychosocial inspectors are now active across NSW workplaces, following the deployment of 20 new hazard inspectors as part of the NSW Government’s $127.7 million investment in workplace health and safety. The expansion represents a 12 per cent increase to SafeWork NSW’s active inspector workforce — the largest single uplift in the agency’s history, bringing total inspector numbers from 370 to 469.

The new inspectors have authority to conduct unannounced workplace visits and issue on-the-spot fines for psychosocial risks including workplace stress, bullying, harassment and poor job design. Their focus is prevention — identifying and addressing psychosocial hazards before they result in injury or workers compensation claims.

What Are Psychosocial Hazards?

Psychosocial hazards are factors in the design or management of work that increase the risk of psychological harm. Under the NSW WHS Act 2011 and the NSW WHS Regulation, employers are required to identify, assess and control psychosocial risks with the same rigour applied to physical hazards.

Common psychosocial hazards include:

  • Excessive workload or unreasonable work demands
  • Poor role clarity or conflicting responsibilities
  • Bullying, harassment or workplace violence
  • Low job control or lack of supervisor support
  • Exposure to traumatic events or distressing content
  • Poor workplace relationships or ongoing conflict

Which Workplaces Are Being Targeted?

SafeWork NSW’s Psychological Health and Safety Strategy 2024–2026 identifies large businesses, government agencies and high-risk industries — specifically healthcare, education and social assistance — as priority targets for compliance visits.

Inspectors are required to complete a Psychosocial WHS Check for every workplace they visit with 200 or more workers. A new Psychosocial Advisory Service, staffed by seven qualified professionals, will deliver up to 25,000 consultations or assessments annually and escalate serious breaches to dedicated inspectors.

Workplaces that fail to demonstrate adequate psychosocial hazard management face improvement notices, prohibition notices and, in cases of serious or repeated breaches, prosecution under the WHS Act.

What Employers Must Have in Place

SafeWork NSW has consistently identified the following as baseline requirements for psychosocial compliance:

  • A documented WHS policy that includes psychosocial hazard identification and review processes
  • Risk assessments that identify psychosocial hazards and the control measures applied
  • Evidence of consultation with workers — including through elected HSRs — on psychosocial risks
  • Management training in recognising and responding to mental health concerns
  • Documented records of ongoing reviews and corrective actions

The Role of HSRs in Managing Psychosocial Risks

Elected Health and Safety Representatives play a critical role in identifying and escalating psychosocial hazards. HSRs are trained to consult with workers, identify patterns of harm and raise issues with management through formal WHS consultation processes.

The SafeWork NSW psychosocial inspector expansion increases the visibility of HSR activity in workplaces. An HSR who is current with their training and actively performing their role provides employers with evidence of good faith WHS compliance — a factor regulators take into account when assessing an organisation’s response to psychosocial risks.

Under the NSW WHS Act 2011, employers are required to allow elected HSRs to attend annual refresher training. With SafeWork NSW now actively checking psychosocial compliance, ensuring your HSRs are trained and current has never been more important.

For organisations whose staff need formal WHS qualifications, the Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety provides the practical skills and knowledge required to manage psychosocial and physical hazards at work.

Stay Current with HSR Training

Advance OHS delivers SafeWork NSW approved HSR Initial and Refresher training in Sydney and via Connected Learning (Zoom/Teams).

View HSR Refresher NSW course dates →

View HSR Initial NSW course dates →

References

  1. SafeWork NSW — New mental health safety inspectors now supporting workers and businesses, March 2026 https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/news/safework-media-releases/new-mental-health-safety-inspectors-now-supporting-workers-and-businesses
  2. SafeWork NSW — Psychological Health and Safety Strategy 2024–2026 https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/resource-library/psychosocial/psychological-health-and-safety-strategy-2024-2026
  3. NSW Government — New mental health safety inspectors announcement https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-releases/new-mental-health-safety-inspectors-now-supporting-workers-and-businesses
  4. SafeWork NSW — Code of Practice: Managing psychosocial hazards at work https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/resource-library/psychosocial/code-of-practice-managing-psychosocial-hazards-at-work
  5. Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-2011-010