Since October 2022, NSW employers must eliminate or minimise psychosocial risks at work. Mental Health First Aid isn't required, and it isn't a fix on its own, but it's a practical support that helps people get help early.
Accredited Mental Health First Aid Australia courseDelivered by a licensed MHFA instructor
The short version: identify psychosocial hazards, assess and control them, starting with how work is designed, and keep reviewing.
Clause 55D of the NSW Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 started on 1 October 2022. It requires a person conducting a business or undertaking to eliminate psychosocial risks or, if that isn't reasonably practicable, minimise them as far as reasonably practicable. It sets out factors to consider, including how work is designed and managed, the work environment, workplace interactions, and the support and supervision people get.
SafeWork NSW's Managing psychosocial hazards at work is an approved code of practice, issued in May 2021. It explains how to identify hazards, assess the risk, control it and review what you've done. Courts can use it as evidence of what's known about managing these risks.
The Code lists hazards like these. Most come from how work is designed and managed, not from individuals.
The Code prioritises controls that remove hazards at the source, like managing workload, clarifying roles and improving support. Training on its own doesn't meet the duty. If someone tells you a single course makes you compliant, be wary.
A group of people across your teams who can notice when a colleague is struggling, start the conversation, respond safely in a crisis, and connect people to your EAP, a GP or other support. They also help surface hazards early, because trained people notice patterns and speak up. That makes it a strong supporting measure in a psychosocial risk plan.
$4,950 + GST for up to 15, then $295 each (max 20)
Training for workplacesFrom the anonymous survey MHFA Australia sends every participant after the course.
Yes. Since 1 October 2022, clause 55D of the NSW Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 requires a person conducting a business or undertaking to eliminate psychosocial risks, or if that isn't reasonably practicable, minimise them so far as is reasonably practicable.
A hazard that comes from the design or management of work, the work environment, plant, or interactions at work, and that may cause psychological or physical harm. Examples include high job demands, low job control, poor support, bullying, harassment, exposure to traumatic events and remote or isolated work.
No. Neither the Regulation nor the SafeWork NSW Code of Practice requires Mental Health First Aid. The Code puts the priority on fixing hazards at the source, such as workload, role clarity and support. Mental Health First Aid is a supporting measure that helps people spot problems early and get help.
Alongside the higher-order controls. It builds a group of people who can recognise when a colleague is struggling, respond safely, and connect them to your EAP, a GP or other support. It also helps surface hazards early, because trained people notice and report patterns.
Managing psychosocial hazards at work is an approved code of practice issued by SafeWork NSW in May 2021. Courts can use it as evidence of what is known about a hazard, a risk and how to control it.
Workplace training is $4,950 + GST for up to 15 people, with extra participants at $295 each up to 20. Sporting clubs, community groups and not-for-profits pay $3,300 + GST for up to 15. Travel is included anywhere in Greater Sydney. Outside Sydney, travel and accommodation are charged at cost.
I'll reply within one business day with a quote and a couple of dates. No obligation.
Or email me at ben@haveaplan.xyz