This is the first in a series of articles providing an insight into the management of common occupational health issues from a health and safety perspective. Look out over the next few weeks for further guidance on Working Time, Health Surveillance and Sickness Absence Management.
At Standerwick Safety Partnership, we have a multi-disciplined team who can work together to support clients when issues arise. The topics we have chosen for these articles tend to be those tricky issues where an effective solution usually required input from, occupational health and health and safety specialists, working as a team.
A recent article from IOSH (Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) proposed that support for Line Managers is key in managing mental health issues in the workplace. More than half of line managers surveyed reported that they do not get enough help, including training, to enable them to support their own team members. In particular they need to be equipped to recognise signs that their workers are struggling with their mental health and know how to deal with this.
Organisation’s culture around health and safety can help to maintain a supportive environment and through the implementation of pro-active processes, the principle of prevention can be employed in the area of mental health and well-being.
The new ISO Standard for Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Management Systems, ISO 45001:2018, provided a framework for managing both safety and occupational health and well-being.
The Standard has been developed by a global committee with significant input from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to ensure that workers’ right and the provision of safe and healthy workplaces are at the core of the OH&S management system.
A successful implementation of an OH&S management system, in line with ISO 45001:2018 can help to establish conditions where workers feel able and willing to discuss mental health issues without feeling stigmatised or disadvantaged.
If this topic is of concern to your organisation or you would like to discuss how we can help, please contact us on 0800 0836458 or drop us an e-mail: info@standerwicksafety.co.uk