Lone Worker, Psychosocial & Fatigue SWMS Templates

Yes. Following the 2022–2024 model WHS Regulation amendments now embedded in WHS Reg 2025, PCBUs must identify psychosocial hazards, assess risk and implement control measures using the hierarchy of controls. While psychosocial work is not itself High Risk Construction Work, the Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work Code of Practice makes documented risk assessment the regulator's expected evidence of compliance with WHS Act s.19. SafeWork inspectors are actively issuing improvement notices where psychosocial risk registers are absent.

Lone working is not classified as HRCW under WHS Reg 2025 Schedule 3, so a formal SWMS is not legally mandated. However, WHS Reg 2025 r.48 still requires documented risk control for remote or isolated work, and the Managing the Risks in Remote and Isolated Work guidance recommends a written safe work procedure covering communication intervals, duress response and emergency retrieval. Most PCBUs use a SWMS-format document because it satisfies both the risk-management duty and contractor pre-qualification requirements.

HVNL Chapter 6 applies specifically to regulated heavy vehicle drivers and prescribes maximum work hours, minimum rest and mandatory work diaries enforced by the NHVR. WHS Reg 2025 and the Work-Related Fatigue guidance apply to all workers — shift workers, FIFO, healthcare, emergency services — and require risk-based controls on roster design, task demands and recovery. A driver may be compliant with HVNL hours yet still breach WHS duties if fatigue impairment is foreseeable, so both frameworks must be addressed.

Yes. The Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work Code of Practice explicitly lists bullying, harassment, violence and aggression as psychosocial hazards within scope of the WHS Act s.19 primary duty. Domestic and family violence is recognised where it intrudes into the workplace — affecting worker safety, attendance or co-workers. Fair Work Act 2009 amendments adding 10 days paid family and domestic violence leave reinforce the duty. A documented workplace safety plan demonstrates the PCBU has done what is reasonably practicable.

The model WHS Regulation 2025 psychosocial provisions have been adopted in NSW, Qld, ACT, NT, Tas, SA and WA, with Victoria operating under the parallel OHS Regulations 2017 and forthcoming psychological health regulations. The core risk-management methodology is consistent nationally, so a well-drafted template applies across jurisdictions with minor regulator-reference edits. WA has additional mining-specific psychosocial guidance under the WHS (Mines) Regulations. Always confirm the applicable code edition cited matches your operating state.