ISO 45003 Standard Emergence (2021)
- The first international standard offering guidance on how to integrate psychosocial risk management into occupational health and safety systems.
- A foundational reference for many countries adjusting their frameworks.
Norton Rose FulbrightGlobal Wellness Institute
Broad Regulatory Momentum Worldwide
Countries including Belgium, Sweden, Mexico, Chile, Austria, Italy, South Korea, the UK, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand have established or are establishing laws addressing psychosocial hazards or broader mental health protections.
Norton Rose FulbrightWorkplace Options
Psychological Safety as a Business Driver
- A global study by Workplace Options/IIRSM found 93% of business leaders believe psychological safety enhances performance—with ROI expectations often exceeding 6%, up to 20%.
Workplace Options
Regulator Focus and Compliance Scrutiny
- Authorities across various jurisdictions are ramping up enforcement, signaling a shift from guidance to accountability
Norton Rose FulbrightThe ISRM
Integration of Right-to-Disconnect Laws
- Countries are enacting protections to limit work communications outside of hours, recognising its importance in mental wellbeing.
Norton Rose FulbrightWTW
Australian Trends in Psychosocial Risk Management
Regulatory Leadership and Enforcement
- Australia has implemented harmonised psychosocial risk legislation across states. Regulators now actively enforce compliance, especially in large workplaces and high-risk sectors like healthcare and education.
heartbrainworks.orgHFWsafetysolutions.net.au
State-Specific Enhancements
- NSW’s 2024–2026 Psychological Health Strategy focuses on mental health training and enforcement.
- QLD mandates prevention plans for sexual harassment from March 2025.
aihs.org.au+1
Improvements in Psychosocial Safety Climate
- Evaluations show jurisdictions with regulatory frameworks are experiencing measurable enhancements in workplace psychosocial safety climate.
OHS Reps
Holistic, System-Based Management
- Organizations are encouraged to integrate psychosocial controls into existing WHS systems, supported by ISO 45003 and the National Model Code.
compliancecouncil.com.auHowden Group
Recognition of Intersecting Risks
- Intersectionality, inclusion, and right-to-disconnect are increasingly key considerations in managing psychosocial risks, especially for vulnerable worker groups.
WTW
Growing Acknowledgment of Evolving Hazards
- Employers are recognizing emerging psychosocial risks such as job insecurity, surveillance, and toxic cultures.
HFWAdelaide Now
Comparative Summary
| Aspect | International Trends | Australian Trends |
| Regulatory Frameworks | Emerging in many nations; led by ISO 45003 | Advanced and harmonised across jurisdictions; active enforcement ongoing |
| Business Perspective | Global leadership sees psychological safety as a performance driver | Consistent alignment with business and regulatory objectives |
| Enforcement & Compliance | Increasing attention but varied maturity level | Regulators deeply engaged; even SMEs are being held accountable |
| Systems Integration | Using ISO 45003 as gold standard | Leveraging both ISO and National Code; ongoing integration into WHS systems |
| Scope and Inclusions | Top-down regulatory updates; often generic | Specific extensions into harassment, remote work, intersectional risk |
| Outcome Measurements | Some global ROI outlooks and culture studies | Concrete improvements in psychosocial safety climate and regulated workplace actions |
Final Reflection
Australia is at the forefront internationally—with comprehensive legislation, enforcement, and practical integration of psychosocial risk management. Globally, while recognition of workplace mental health is rising, many countries are still catching up in implementing structured, enforceable frameworks.
