It’s a time to talk openly about how we can make every workplace a place where people feel safe, supported, and able to thrive; both physically and mentally. And with new Occupational Health and Safety (Psychological Health) Regulations coming into effect on 1 December 2025, there’s never been a better time to start the conversation about National Safe Work Month and Mental Health Month.
Safety is in Our DNA
At NECA Education & Careers, safety is more than just a tick-box exercise, it’s part of who we are.
Every apprentice and trainee completes a thorough safety induction, and our electrical apprentices dive deep into safe work practices right through their training. We also work closely with our host employers to make sure their sites meet the highest standards, because when it comes to safety, we’re all in it together.
Our goal? That everyone – apprentices, staff, and hosts go home safe and well, every single day.
National Safe Work Month: Every Job, Every Day
Since 2009, Safe Work Australia has been leading this awareness campaign, and the 2025 theme says it all: “Safety — every job, every day.”
It’s a reminder that safety isn’t just a rule, it’s a responsibility shared by everyone on site.
While fatalities and injuries have decreased over the past decade, in 2023 200 Australian workers still lost their lives at work. Behind those numbers are families, workmates, and communities. That’s why this campaign is about more than stats, it’s about culture.
This year, Safe Work Australia’s resources focus on risk management: identifying hazards, assessing risks, and controlling them before something goes wrong. And with new psychological safety regulations on the way, it’s time to think beyond physical hazards to mental ones, too.
Mental Health Month: It Starts with a Chat
October is also Mental Health Month and a chance to check in with ourselves and each other.
Led by organisations like WayAhead, the campaign encourages all of us to talk about mental wellbeing, break down stigma, and think about how our workplaces can make a difference.
A healthy work culture, open communication, and strong relationships between teammates can go a long way. But unmanaged stress, fatigue, bullying, or harassment can take their toll, and that’s where awareness, education, and leadership really matter.
New Psychological Health Regulations: What You Need to Know
From 1 December 2025, new OHS regulations come into effect that recognise psychological health risks as seriously as physical ones.
That means employers will need to identify, manage, and reduce risks such as:
- Gendered violence or discrimination
- Sexual harassment
- Workplace bullying
- Work-related stress or fatigue
- Violence or aggression at work
In 2024–25, around 17% of workplace injury claims in Victoria were related to mental health. The new regulations are a step toward changing that.
Employers must now manage psychosocial risks as part of their broader OHS obligations, while workers also have a role in taking reasonable care of their own health and looking out for others.
How to Stay Proactive
If you’re in a leadership or safety role, now’s the time to:
✅ Review your safety policies and procedures
✅ Make sure your risk assessments include mental health
✅ Talk to your team about wellbeing and support
✅ Tap into resources from Safe Work Australia and WorkSafe Victoria.
If you’re a NECA E&C host employer, you can also reach out to our team for guidance. And if you’re a NECA Victoria member, there’s a whole suite of OHS support available through the association.
Training That Builds Confidence
Building safer workplaces starts with knowledge.
Our Mental Health First Aid (NECMHFA001) course gives you the confidence to recognise when someone might be struggling – and how to help. We also run essential electrical safety courses, including Low Voltage Rescue (LVR) and CPR, which equip workers to respond effectively in emergencies.
Because whether it’s a live panel or a conversation with a teammate, knowing what to do can make all the difference.
Recognising Safety in Action
We’re proud to see our apprentices and staff leading the way.
At the 2023 AEN Awards, NECA E&C won Outstanding OHS Initiative for our Host Capability Program, which helps host employers strengthen their safety culture. And at this year’s AEN Apprentice Training Awards, two of our apprentices – Prada and Shanel – were finalists in the STAR (Stop Taking a Risk) category for the way they champion safety on site.
It’s proof that the lessons we teach in the classroom are being put into practice every day.
Let’s Make Safety Everyone’s Business
As we recognise National Safe Work Month and Mental Health Month, and prepare for the new psychological health regulations, let’s keep safety, in every sense – front of mind.
Together, we can make the electrical and communications industry a place where everyone feels supported, safe, and set up for success.