Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) & WorkSafe Victoria Compliance | Workplace Mental Health Support
Last Updated 15/1/25 By Vanessa Cortez
EAP Programs @ Mindway EAP
For the same reason that keeping individuals from becoming wounded on the job is essential, it is also important to prevent them from getting sick. According to the expectations set forth by WorkSafe Victoria, supervisors are accountable for addressing issues related to mental health, including but not limited to stress, bullying, exposure to trauma, and excessive workload. If you choose to overlook these hazards, you put yourself at risk of incurring fines, being investigated, and having your reputation damaged.

In order to assist businesses in meeting these obligations, an Employee Assistance Program (also known as an EAP) is a vital component. Electronic assistance programs (EAPs) immediately satisfy the standards set forth by WorkSafe Victoria for psychologically healthy workplaces since they provide early intervention, confidential support, and solutions for stress reduction. This article explains how employee assistance programs (EAPs) assist businesses in not just complying with legislation but also improving the quality of the environment and the safety of the workplace.

What You’ll Learn in This Article
  • The connection between EAP services and WorkSafe Victoria compliance
  • Why psychosocial hazards are now a critical safety risk
  • How EAPs provide early intervention and reduce legal exposure
  • The benefits of confidential counselling and crisis response
  • Real-world examples of EAP impact in compliance strategies
  • Key takeaways for employers wanting to strengthen their compliance

Understanding WorkSafe Victoria’s Psychosocial Safety Standards

By informing employers that they must address issues of stress and bullying at the same rate as they address issues of physical safety, WorkSafe Victoria has made the issue of mental health in the workplace a more significant concern. Employers are obligated to investigate the risks, formulate rules, and supply workers with the resources necessary to assist them. Offering an employee assistance program (EAP) is one of the best ways to demonstrate that you care about the health and safety of your staff members. By incorporating EAP into their safety management systems, businesses demonstrate that they are taking measures to address psychological dangers before they become more severe.

EAP as a Compliance Safety Net for Employers

Employers are required to provide evidence of risk management and wellness programs in order to satisfy the requirements that WorkSafe Victoria has set down. When an EAP is present, a response that is both quantifiable and recorded is provided in answer to the query. Metrics on use, themes, and trends, for instance, might be utilised in order to demonstrate to regulators that the company is keeping a close check on psychosocial hazards and providing prompt support. This would be used to demonstrate that the company is providing immediate support. In spite of the fact that this is a crucial compliance safety net that demonstrates due diligence, it does not absolve the employer of their responsibilities.

Employee:
I’ve been really struggling with stress lately. The workload feels overwhelming, and I’m worried about speaking up because I don’t want to seem like I can’t handle it.
You:
I hear you, and you’re not alone. That’s exactly why we’ve introduced the EAP. It’s confidential, and you can talk through these pressures with a professional who can help you manage them. It also shows WorkSafe that we’re actively supporting staff wellbeing.

Reducing the Risks of Burnout, Stress, and Bullying

Both stress and bullying in the workplace are among the most common causes of WorkSafe claims. Some of the most common causes are workplace bullying and stress. If this is not addressed, it may result in employees being absent for extended periods of time, filing claims for compensation, and conducting investigations. The employee assistance programs (EAPs) that provide early access to counselling, support for conflict resolution, and coaching for stress management help to decrease the dangers that are associated with these situations. In the event that workers are aware that confidential support is available to them, there is a greater likelihood that they may seek guidance in this regard. The risk that problems may develop into official complaints or legal actions is reduced as a result of this.

Supporting Critical Incidents and Trauma Response

The organisation WorkSafe Victoria places a strong emphasis on the importance of swiftly responding to major situations, such as accidents that take place on the work, confrontations with customers who are disrespectful, or problems that develop in the community. The purpose of employee assistance programs, which are more often referred to as EAPs, is to offer employees a trauma treatment service that is both immediate and confidential. This service gives employees the opportunity to receive professional assistance in coping with traumatic circumstances. When early action is taken, the likelihood of long-term mental damage is reduced, workers are assisted in recuperating from their injuries, and the employer displays that they are committed to complying to the standards that have been established by WorkSafe.

"A psychologically safe workplace is one where employees can thrive without fear. Compliance is not the end goal, it’s the foundation for creating healthier, stronger organisations." – Beyond Blue

Building a Culture of Safety and Trust

When it comes to compliance, it is not enough to simply go through the motions of checking off various boxes; it is also necessary to ensure that persons are provided with an environment in which they may feel at ease. When employers provide employee assistance programs (EAP), it demonstrates that they are concerned about the mental health of their employees, which helps to build trust between the employer and employee. Because of this, the team is able to work together more efficiently over time, which in turn reduces feelings of guilt and increases the percentage of employee retention. An employee's view that they are able to voice their concerns and receive assistance in the event that challenges develop is a significant factor in determining whether or not they will meet or exceed compliance standards.

A manufacturing firm in Victoria that was of a medium size was facing a number of challenges, some of which included high absenteeism, high turnover, and an increase in the number of stress claims. An investigation into WorkSafe Victoria's policies and procedures was launched after the organisation received complaints from a number of employees. In the course of developing its corrective action plan, the organisation arrived at the conclusion that it ought to make use of an employee assistance program (EAP). They saw a noticeable decrease in absenteeism that was brought on by stress within a period of six months, as well as an improvement in morale and favourable statements from staff members who loved receiving individual counselling support. All of these things occurred simultaneously. The fact that WorkSafe later praised the company for its improved psychosocial risk management is evidence that employee assistance programs (EAP) may be utilised not only as a tool for compliance but also as a means of bringing about a change in the culture of the organisation.

Key Takeaways
  • EAP Supports WorkSafe Compliance
    EAPs provide employers with a structured way to meet psychosocial safety requirements.
  • Confidential Support Reduces Risk
    By offering early counselling, EAPs prevent issues like stress and bullying from escalating into claims.
  • Critical Incident Response Is Essential
    Rapid trauma support demonstrates compliance and care while reducing long-term harm.
  • Culture of Safety Builds Trust
    Beyond compliance, EAPs create healthier workplaces where employees feel supported and valued.
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