MENTAL HEALTH & WORKPLACE SAFETY
- Mental health is increasingly being integrated into safety, health and wellness programs:
- Mental Health is addressed in employee communications
- Posters have been displayed prominently in all major work areas where employees gather.
- Many companies participate in an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Mental health is a topic for toolbox safety talks
- Mental health and suicide prevention are covered in company health and safety manuals
Construction Industry is at High Risk for Suicide:
- Physical strain and chronic pain
- Culture of substance abuse/ self-medicating to relieve stress
- Fragmented community/isolation due to transitory and seasonal work
- Sleep disruption; working long and abnormal hours
- Cyclical work with regular periods of lay-offs and rehiring
- Culture of recklessness, bravery or stoicism
Suicide Warning Signs:
- Talking about wanting to die
- Looking for way to kill oneself (like buying a gun)
- Talk of feelings of hopelessness or having no reason to live
- Talk of being a burden to others
- Increase use of alcohol or drugs
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Showing rage or seeking revenge
McCraren Compliance offers training and programs to support companies in suicide awareness and prevention. Contact us for additional information to help you with this very important workplace safety.
