A recent WHS prosecution involving both a host employer and on-hire provider has put the spotlight back on shared responsibilities in labour hire. This case reinforces that duties under WHS law aren’t optional—or transferable.

As NSW rolls out mandatory psychological first aid (PFA) training under its Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy for First Responders, there’s a clear message: psychosocial support must move beyond crisis lines and pamphlets. This blog explores how recruitment and on-hire businesses — and indeed, any employer — can take practical steps to embed mental health support into everyday operations.

On 11 February 2025, WorkSafe Victoria published details of a case that highlights the serious responsibilities on-hire providers have for worker health and safety—both physical and psychological—when placing workers at host workplaces.