WorkSafeNB has partnered with the Paramedic Association of New Brunswick (PANB) and the University of Regina’s Psychological Trauma and Stress Systems (PTSS) Lab to pioneer a new technology to support the mental health of trauma-exposed professionals. On October 18 – 19 at PANB’s Annual General Meeting and Education Day, this first-of-its-kind pilot project in New Brunswick to help frontline workers monitor their well-being and access support through an app was launched.
The Mental Health Monitoring Safeguard System allows participants to track their well-being through daily and monthly check-ins and annual self-assessments. These tools help individuals recognize changes in their mental health early and connect with the right supports to prevent psychological injury.
WorkSafeNB and PANB funded the project, enabling the University of Regina to continue its groundbreaking research in mental health monitoring. The collaboration also strengthened ties between WorkSafeNB and the Paramedic Association of New Brunswick, reinforcing a shared commitment to prevention and psychological safety for workers across the province. First responders often face situations most of us can’t imagine,” said Tim Petersen, WorkSafeNB’s president and CEO. “By investing in technology, like the Mental Health Monitoring Safeguard System, we’re helping ensure support is available early and before small struggles become serious injuries. Innovations such as this align with our vision of making New Brunswick the safest place to work.”
The University of Regina’s mental health monitoring app, developed under Dr. Nicholas Carleton’s leadership, has already shown success in supporting early mental health intervention. Evidence from work with the RCMP demonstrated that regular self-monitoring can serve as an effective proactive tool to reduce the risk and severity of impact from potentially traumatic psychological injuries.
The pilot project will also contribute valuable research data (shared in de-identified form) to inform future prevention strategies and strengthen WorkSafeNB’s mental health programs.
Delivered through a secure digital platform, participants will have access to daily mental health monitoring, self-assessments, wellness resources, and a national network of mental health professionals.