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 underscoring the critical importance of managing psychosocial hazards in the workplace, the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) is facing charges under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011. SafeWork NSW alleges that WSLHD exposed two nurses to psychological risks by mishandling a workplace investigation, highlighting issues of poor organisational justice and inadequate grievance resolution. This prosecution signals an increasing regulatory focus on employers' responsibilities to address psychosocial risks, emphasising the necessity for fair and effective workplace investigation processes.