Supporting workers’ mental wellbeing is essential for worker safety and health
We all experience stress, whether we feel it ourselves or notice it in our family members and friends. Life's challenges and frustrations surround us, contributing to feelings of stress.
The numbers support this. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 71% of adults in the U.S. reported at least one sign of stress in 2016. These signs include feeling anxious or overwhelmed or having headaches caused by stress. And these are just a few symptoms; there are others.
To make matters of mental health even more challenging, the signs of concern for mental health are not always as visible and apparent as concerns for physical health are. The words we use to describe mental health are different from the words we use to explain physical health.
Unfortunately, mental health concerns are not as well known or clear. This makes it more difficult to see or understand the mental health challenges in ourselves or others. That is why the work of the Georgia Mental Health Alliance is so important.
"With the increase in stress in work and all of life, we knew that we needed to do something to let more workers know about the help and resources that are available to them," said Marilyn Velez, an OSHA compliance assistance specialist in Atlanta.
Velez has been passionate about this issue for several years, particularly after noticing the growing number of workplace suicides and drug overdose fatalities in 2019. That year, the statistics were alarming:
307 workplace suicides, the highest number on record and 34.1% higher than the 10-year low in 2015.
September is Suicide Prevention Month. It is a critical time for employers to think about what they can do to prevent worker suicides. To properly think about that requires thinking holistically about worker health. Employers can take this time to make sure that their overall safety and health management system includes considerations for mental health and wellbeing. It's also a good time to look for and connect with partners to develop expertise and increase resources for worker mental health. Consider planning or participating in a mental health safety stand-down in May.
"Together, we can do so much more to protect both the mental and physical health of workers. We are seeing that here in Georgia, and we want every employer and safety stakeholder to join us in this mission," said Velez.
For more information on protecting and improving worker mental health, visit osha.gov/workplace-stress. The Georgia Mental Health Alliance also offers resources to help prevent suicides among construction workers.
If you or someone you are struggling with mental health or emotional distress, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit www.988lifeline.org.
Read full article here: https://lnkd.in/dFUCYzux
Great insights in the latest employee health update! It's encouraging to see the focus on mental well-being and flexible work arrangements becoming a priority for organizations. These trends are essential for fostering a healthy and productive workplace!