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.

NSW’s new psychological first aid (PFA) mandate underscores the need for businesses to proactively manage psychosocial risks under WHS legislation. This includes identifying hazards, implementing controls like workload planning, and providing support systems. Relying solely on Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) isn’t enough. Integrating Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) into daily operations offers accessible, peer-led support and helps businesses shift from a reactive approach to one focused on prevention and care.

In a landmark case, Western Sydney Local Health District is facing WHS charges for exposing workers to psychosocial risks during a mishandled workplace investigation. SafeWork NSW alleges failures in organisational justice and grievance resolution—signalling a growing regulatory focus on how employers manage psychological risks in the workplace.