Strengthening Safety in Healthcare

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

Why This Code Matters

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.

Who Should Pay Attention?

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.

Key Risk Areas Covered

The Code outlines how to identify, assess, and control risks across a wide range of hazards, including:

Psychosocial hazards such as stress, fatigue, and workplace aggression
Hazardous manual tasks and musculoskeletal risks
Biological and chemical hazards, including infection control
Work environment risks like slips, trips, and equipment safety
Vehicle and electrical hazards in mobile and facility-based settings

The new Code also includes guidance on consultation, coordination, and emergency controls, helping organisations build a proactive safety culture.

What You Can Do Now

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:

Review the Code and assess how it applies to your operations
Update your WHS policies and procedures to align with the new guidance
Engage your teams in consultation and training to embed safe practices
Monitor and review controls regularly to ensure ongoing compliance

Looking Ahead

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.