The codes of practice for Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work and Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment commenced in South Australia on 19 February 2026.

These are based on the national Model Code of Practice developed by Safe Work Australia, but incorporate significant further consultation with South Australian unions and employer representatives.

The codes are a valuable resource for reducing workplace injuries and outline practical measures to meet existing health and safety laws, and have been expanded through the consultation process to identify additional hazards and provide case studies to help keep workers safe.

Common examples of psychosocial hazards include unreasonable job demands, lack of role clarity, fatigue, inadequate rewards and recognition, job insecurity and traumatic events or material in the workplace.

Sexual and gender-based harassment is also a psychosocial risk and can occur across all industries.  It can cause physical and psychological harm to the person it is directed at and anyone witnessing the behaviour.

On average, work-related psychological injuries have longer recovery times, higher costs, and require more time away from work than physical injuries.

Managing the risks associated with psychosocial hazards not only protects workers, it also decreases the disruption associated with staff turnover.

The new codes of practice follow the adoption of the Work Health and Safety (Psychosocial Risks) Amendment Regulations 2023, which came into effect in South Australia on 25 December 2023.

Employers have a duty under the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 to eliminate psychosocial risks, and if not reasonably practicable to do so, minimise them.

To achieve this, as with any other hazard, employers must apply the risk management process of identifying hazards, assessing risks, implementing measures to control risks and then reviewing those control measures to ensure they are effective.

The new codes of practice further clarify an employer’s existing obligations, they do not change them.

The psychosocial code defines 17 types of hazards including the harmful workplace behaviours of bullying, sexual harassment and aggression.

The definitions and descriptions help people recognise these hazards and behaviours in the workplace.

The code explains how to consult with workers and also includes:

• descriptions of different types of control measures
• guidance on recording the risk management process and outcomes
• guidance on responding to reports, complaints or incidents, including through formal investigations
• case studies that describe how psychosocial risks can be managed in different industry and workplace settings.

The Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment code provides clear definitions and descriptions on a range of harassment and behaviours based on gender and sex that create a risk of harm at work.

Sexual harassment is any unwelcomed sexual advance, unwelcomed request for sexual favours or other unwelcomed conduct of a sexual nature which makes a person feel offended, humiliated or intimidated, where a reasonable person would anticipate that reaction in the circumstances.

Attribute quotes to SafeWork SA Executive Director Glenn Farrell

Managing psychosocial hazards should not just be a legal duty – it should be the core of every business who cares for its workers and wants the best success.

These codes of practice are a vital tool to help employers identify, control and manage psychosocial safety risks at work, as well as informing workers of their rights to a safe workplace.

The regulations and new codes of practice will support businesses in ensuring their most valuable assets – their workers – are free from harm at work.

Further links:

• Managing psychosocial hazards at work code of practice
• Sexual and gender-based harassment code of practice