In 2025, psychological safety is no longer a secondary concern, having become a core workplace obligation. With updated WHS legislation now requiring Australian employers to manage psychosocial hazards with the same rigour as physical risks, psychosocial risk assessments have become essential. At ABILITY GROUP, we help organisations move beyond compliance to build workplaces that are safe, supportive, and strategically resilient.
(more…)
With workers’ compensation premiums increasing across Australia, we often meet new clients who have previously sought advise from their trusted advisors, such as their lawyer, accountant, insurance broker or HR consultant. Although these business partners might provide some help, engaging the consultants (specialists) can provide numerous benefits for organisations when it comes to reducing the financial or operational burdens of workers’ compensation and related matters.
(more…)
Australia’s healthcare and social assistance industry just received a major boost in work health and safety (WHS) guidance. Safe Work Australia has released a new Model Code of Practice specifically tailored to this sector, which is now Australia’s largest and fastest-growing workforce. For employers, partners, and professionals across hospitals, aged care, disability support, and home-based services, this code offers practical, industry-specific advice to help meet WHS obligations and reduce risk, strengthening safety in healthcare.
The Safe Work Australia Model Code of Practice, released on 4 July 2025, provides guidance for Healthcare and social assistance industry duty holders, such as employers in the healthcare and social assistance industry, on how to meet their work health and safety (WHS) duties and manage risks in their workplaces
Healthcare and social assistance workers experience more work-related injuries than any other industry in Australia, with compensation claim rates more than double the national average. Until now, there’s been a lack of consolidated WHS guidance tailored to the unique challenges of this sector. This new Code fills that gap.
The Code is designed for Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs)—including employers, managers, and service providers. It also provides valuable insights for workers, officers, designers, suppliers, and others with WHS responsibilities.
The Code outlines how to identify, assess, and control risks across a wide range of hazards, including:
The new Code also includes guidance on consultation, coordination, and emergency controls, helping organisations build a proactive safety culture.
ABILITY GROUP has a proud history of assisting Healthcare and Social Assistance providers achieve better than industry results, helping minimise workers compensation and related costs essential for improving the quality of care and support. Leveraging this, we recommend organisations:
Safe Work Australia plans to release an interactive online tool in 2026, featuring case studies and tailored content to further support implementation. In the meantime, this Code offers a strong foundation for improving safety outcomes across the sector.
Source: safe work australia
Title: Model Code of Practice: Healthcare and social assistance industry
Read Time: 5-10 minutes
The Minns Government has announced significant NSW work health and safety (WHS) changes and investments aimed at enhancing workplace safety and compliance. These changes are emphasised by SafeWork NSW becoming an Independent Regulator, 51 new WHS inspectors (focus on NSW business compliance) and the launch of an Irreplaceable Safety campaign.
(more…)
In a landmark move to strengthen workplace protections, the Minns Labor Government has passed sweeping reforms that will impact over four million workers across New South Wales. These changes, enacted through the Industrial Relations and Other Legislation Amendment (Workplace Protections) Act 2025, mark a significant shift toward safer, fairer, and more inclusive workplaces.
(more…)