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.
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.
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.

Ideal for organisations that want to start small and scale as needed. Only pay when your team uses the service.
Included in PAYG:
✔️ Pay per session model
✔️ Tailored Mindfulness Program
✔️ Professional support within 12–36 hours
✔️ 24/7/365 booking number
✔️ Real-time analytics portal
Best for teams seeking consistent, proactive support with built-in sessions and added value for managers and leaders.
Includes everything in PAYG, plus:
✔️ Set sessions included per employee, per year.
✔️ Dedicated program specialist
✔️ Priority critical incident support
✔️ Monthly live leadership/manager training (mental health, leadership, communication & more)
Support your team with personalised and fast support. Fill out the form below to get a personalised EAP for your organisation.