by ABILITY GROUP | Feb 6, 2026 | Breaking News, Claims, Consulting, Health & Wellbeing, Injured Worker, Reforms, Workers Compensation
NSW has entered a defining new era in workers’ compensation with the passage of the Workers Compensation Reform and Modernisation legislation, ushering in the most significant changes to psychological injury claims in more than a decade. As psychological injuries continue to rise and place mounting pressure on the scheme, the government have acted to create clearer definitions, streamline assessments, and improve the pathway to recovery for affected workers.
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by ABILITY GROUP | Feb 4, 2026 | Manual Handling, Work Health & Safety, Workplace safety
The Explanatory Memorandum for the Model WHS Legislation Amendment (Incident Notification) 2025 outlines expanded incident notification laws covering psychosocial hazards, workplace violence, sexual assault, and work-related suicide or attempts. It also clarifies employer obligations, timeframes, and the scope of notifiable incidents
Background
- The Model WHS Act was amended in December 2025 by the Parliamentary Counsel’s Committee
- The Explanatory Memorandum serves as a guide for regulators, employers, and workers to understand the intent and application of the amendments
Key Changes in the Amendment
1. Expanded Definition of Notifiable Incidents
- Psychosocial hazards included: workplace violence, sexual assault, serious psychological harm, suicide, and attempted suicide
- Extended worker absences
2. Clarification of Section 35
- The requirement for a causal link between the incident and the workplace has been moved into the core definition of a notifiable incident
- This ensures consistency and reduces ambiguity for Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs)
3. Notification Duties
- PCBUs must notify regulators immediately after becoming aware of a notifiable incident
- Site preservation
- A new duty requires PCBUs to notify other persons with corresponding duties, ensuring broader accountability
Implications for Employers and PCBUs
- Compliance Burden – employers must update incident reporting frameworks to include psychosocial hazards.
- Training Needs – staff must be trained to recognise and report incidents beyond physical injuries.
- Legal Risk – failure to comply with expanded notification duties may result in penalties and reputational damage.
- Worker Protection
Practical Guidance for Businesses
- Review WHS Policies – ensure incident reporting procedures align with the 2025 amendments
- Update Risk Registers – include psychosocial hazards alongside physical risks
- Engage with Regulators – establish clear communication channels for timely notification
- Educate Staff – provide awareness sessions on recognising psychosocial incidents
Need Help?
The Explanatory Memorandum – Model WHS Legislation Amendment (Incident Notification) 2025 represents a significant evolution in workplace safety law. For businesses, compliance requires proactive policy updates, staff training, and a stronger focus on psychosocial risk management.
To know more, please contact us
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by ABILITY GROUP | Nov 26, 2025 | Injury Management, Premium, Work Health & Safety, Workers Compensation, Workplace safety
With holiday celebrations around the corner, it’s smart for businesses to take proactive steps to avoid turning a festive gathering into a workplace incident and potential legal headache. It’s important for businesses to take precautions before work Christmas parties, as while these events are meant to celebrate and boost morale, they can create legal, safety, and reputational risks. Here are actionable tips on Preventing Psychosocial Party Hangovers!
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by ABILITY GROUP | Oct 20, 2025 | Breaking News, Injured Worker, Injury Management, Jobs, Our team, Workplace safety
Fresh insights from Safe Work Australia’s Key Work Health and Safety Statistics 2025 report reveal that just a third of jobs account for more than half of all serious injury claims across the country. This alarming trend underscores the need for targeted safety interventions, especially in high-risk sectors, and presents a crucial opportunity for organisations like ABILITY GROUP to continue to lead the way in helping businesses create safer workplaces.
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by ABILITY GROUP | Oct 6, 2025 | Mental Health, Work Health & Safety, Workers Compensation
In today’s fast-evolving business landscape, staying informed isn’t just beneficial; it is essential. At ABILITY GROUP, we believe that understanding industry trends is the foundation for building resilient, forward-thinking organisations. Our latest insights reveal the key challenges and opportunities reshaping workplaces in 2025 and beyond.
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by ABILITY GROUP | Sep 8, 2025 | Managing Psychosocial Hazards, Work Health & Safety
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.
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