News Release WorkSafeNB announces psychological health and safety grant recipients

October 8, 2026

Three projects will support prevention and workers exposed to trauma 

WorkSafeNB has selected three organizations to receive funding through its first Psychological Health and Safety (PHS) Grant program. 

The program supports evidence-based projects that strengthen PHS and help prevent and reduce traumatic psychological injuries in New Brunswick workplaces. WorkSafeNB launched the grant in June 2026., giving priority to initiatives that support first responders, emergency health-care workers and others exposed to trauma at work. 

This year’s grant recipients are: 

• Kennebecasis Regional Police Force will launch a multi-year PHS strategy. The project will strengthen peer support, build leadership skills, provide evidence-based mental health training and offer resources for police personnel and their families.  

• Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine New Brunswick will develop and test a psychologically safe leadership program for emergency and public safety leaders. The program will include practical tools, post-incident response protocols and evaluation measures. 

• John Howard Society of Southeastern New Brunswick will develop a PHS prevention framework for trauma-exposed human service workers. The project will include leadership training, a practical toolkit, awareness activities, train-the-trainer resources and opportunities to share knowledge across the sector.  

“Psychological health and safety requires practical action that reflects the needs of workers and workplaces,” said Tim Petersen, President and CEO of WorkSafeNB. “We selected these projects because we believe they will help the organizations build knowledge, strengthen leadership and better support workers exposed to trauma at work.” 

WorkSafeNB was encouraged by the strong interest in the grant program and the range of proposals from organizations across the province. 

“Creating psychologically healthy and safe workplaces takes commitment, collaboration and evidence-based solutions,” Petersen said. “By supporting these initiatives, we are helping organizations build stronger systems to prevent psychological harm and better support workers when they need it most.”  

The grant program is part of WorkSafeNB’s broader work to strengthen PHS, prevent traumatic psychological injuries and make New Brunswick the safest place to work. 

Applications for the 2027 PHS Grant program are expected to open next month. 

Learn more about WorkSafeNB’s psychological health and safety consultation services and visit our Psychological Health and Safety Resource Center.