As part of the Preparation and Prevention series, RUGGED Mind and Body is sharing information and resources from established health and safety organizations to help trades professionals protect their long-term physical and mental health.
Looking out for hazards is part of looking out for the crew. When something changes on a jobsite, addressing it early can help prevent a problem from becoming more serious. The same principle applies when a coworker appears to be struggling.
Coworkers and supervisors may be among the first to notice when someone seems different or may need support. Creating a workplace where people know how to recognize signs of concern, start a conversation and connect someone with appropriate resources can make prevention part of how the crew looks out for one another.
Start the Conversation
If a coworker seems different or you are concerned about their well-being, you do not have to wait for the situation to become a crisis before checking in.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) identifies workplaces as important settings for suicide prevention and notes that coworkers and supervisors may notice changes in thoughts or behaviors that can signal increased risk.
If you are worried about a coworker:
- Find an appropriate time and place to talk privately
- Express concern and encourage them to talk and listen without judgment
- Ask whether there is someone they would like to call
- Encourage them to connect with available health or counseling services
You do not need to diagnose the problem or have every answer. The purpose of the conversation is to show concern, listen and help the person connect with appropriate support.
Normalize Using Available Support
OSHA recommends that employers provide access to coping and resiliency resources, supportive networks and services, and information that helps workers understand where they can get assistance.
Supervisors and crews can help make support easier to find by:
- Sharing available mental health and stress-management resources
- Providing clear information about available support resources
- Creating an environment where workers can discuss work stress and ask for help without shame
- Helping workers understand where to turn when professional support is needed
Mental health resources are more useful when workers know about them before they need them. Making that information a regular part of workplace communication can help reinforce that seeking support is an appropriate step, not something that should be reserved only for a crisis.
Make Prevention Part of the Crew Culture
Prevention works best when it is part of the way work is done, rather than something addressed only after a problem occurs. That preventive mindset can extend to worker well-being. NIOSH identifies peer support, increased access to mental health services and efforts to reduce stigma as strategies that can positively affect workplaces.
Make early action part of the crew culture:
- Keep hazard recognition and prevention part of regular safety conversations
- Encourage coworkers to check in when someone seems to be struggling
- Make sure workers know what support resources are available
- Keep mental health and support resources easy to find and access
- Encourage a workplace where asking for help is treated as an appropriate response to a concern
A strong prevention culture gives workers practical ways to respond when they recognize a risk. Whether the concern involves a jobsite hazard or a coworker who may need support, noticing the problem is only the first step. Take appropriate action, use the resources available and help connect others with support when they need it.
Early action supports the entire crew. Pay attention to changes. Start the conversation. Make support resources visible. Build a workplace where looking out for one another is part of working safely.
Interested in learning more? Connect in two ways to stay informed on trade-focused mental health and wellness content:
Subscribe to PHC News magazine for quarterly print and digital issues
Sign up for the monthly RUGGED Mind and Body e-newsletter
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/bulletin/2023/preventing-workplace-suicide.html
https://www.osha.gov/workplace-stress/employer-guidance
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/bulletin/2023/preventing-workplace-suicide.html
