Workplace health and safety is evolving. Recent updates from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have made mental health a core part of first aid and risk management. The changes to HSE guidance that embed mental health into workplace safety were introduced through updates to the First Aid at Work: Guidance on Regulations (L74) in early 2024, with further emphasis and clarity reinforced in mid-2025. If you want to be 2026 ready on mental health guidance from the HSE then read on.
What’s New in Workplace Safety?
Employers are now expected to treat psychological health with the same seriousness as physical safety. This means:
- Including mental health in first aid needs assessments
- Providing mental health first aid (MHFA) support
- Conducting risk assessments for psychological hazards
- Ensuring compliance with broader health and safety duties
These requirements reflect a growing recognition that stress, anxiety, and burnout are workplace hazards. Left unmanaged, they can lead to accidents, absenteeism, and long-term harm.
Why This Matters for 2026
The updated First Aid at Work guidance now makes mental health part of first aid planning. Employers should review their needs assessments and ensure provision is adequate and appropriate for both physical and mental health needs. Risk assessments must also cover psychological hazards such as workload pressure, poor role clarity, and workplace conflict.
Failure to act could result in enforcement action, reputational damage, and most importantly, impact the wellbeing of your workforce.
Key Priorities for Employers
- Update your first aid needs assessment: Factor in mental health and ensure trained personnel are available.
- Train mental health first aiders: Equip staff to recognise signs of mental ill health and respond effectively until professional help is available.
- Conduct risk assessments for psychological hazards: Use frameworks like HSE’s Management: Standards to identify stress factors and implement controls.
- Review wellbeing provision: Embed mental health support into policies, training, and everyday practice.
How Ouch Can Help
We make compliance practical and achievable. Our expert-led training and consultancy services help you:
- Understand your legal responsibilities under HSE guidance
- Train mental health first aiders and managers to spot early warning signs
- Conduct robust risk assessments for psychological hazards
- Build a culture of wellbeing that supports productivity and resilience
Our courses combine regulatory knowledge with real-world application, giving your team the confidence to act and the skills to stay compliant.
Contact us here or click here to view our courses!
Looking Ahead
Mental health is now embedded in health and safety law. These changes are not just about meeting legal requirements. They are about creating safer, healthier workplaces where people can thrive.
Ready to take action? Contact Ouch Learning and Development today to explore our mental health and first aid training solutions.