Supporting mental wellness is a key part of worker safety

4 steps to update your safety program and improve results

When considering workplace safety, the focus often starts with physical hazards, such as force, repetition, machinery operations, lifting tasks and work at heights. This aligns with the principles of providing a safe workplace and the fundamental concept of workers' compensation, addressing on-the-job injuries. However, much of what influences the risk of worker injury and the path of recovery goes beyond physical hazards and an ‘at work’ focus. Non-physical factors, like mental health, play a significant role in how a person thinks, feels, and acts in the workplace, and this can influence their approach to risk and the time needed for recovery. By including mental wellness in your safety program, you can reduce the chances of employee injuries and support recovery after an injury occurs.

By the numbers - The Importance of Addressing Mental Health

Business impact

Attention to mental health in the workforce is rising, highlighting the understanding that mental well-being is as vital as physical health for a productive work environment. A disregard for mental wellness costs businesses up to $105 billion annually. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly affect performance and increase the risk of injury or burnout. Ignoring these challenges leads to decreased productivity, higher absenteeism and increased turnover. Addressing mental health alongside physical health is vital for a resilient, engaged workforce. Companies implementing comprehensive health programs are more likely to see improved employee satisfaction and loyalty, positively impacting organizational culture and success.

Safety and workers’ compensation impact

Beyond its effect on business operations, mental health and wellness significantly influences work-related injury risks and recovery. A prominent provider of medical services for workers' compensation highlighted that among all risk factors affecting recovery, depression led to the most substantial cost increase⁵. According to the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI), claims involving a mental health diagnosis are 2.5 times more expensive. This not only raises workers' compensation costs but the increased days away from work heightens production stress on the remaining workforce.

Factors affecting mental health can greatly influence safety by leading to decreased focus, impaired decision-making, increased risk-taking, fatigue and reduced alertness, all of which may result in accidents and injuries. One of the top safety concerns for injury among U.S. employers is musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). According to a National Safety Council report on MSD prevention, job-related factors that heighten mental stress—such as high work demands, lack of job control and poor social support—contribute to MSDs⁶. A study highlighted in the report found that manufacturing workers in positions with high psychological demands, like workload and time pressure, faced a 49% higher risk of serious injuries and MSDs requiring medical treatment, work restrictions or lost work time.

More importantly, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) indicates that stress has been reported to cause 120,000 deaths in the U.S. each year, and that 83% of U.S. workers suffer from work-related stress⁷. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that work-related suicides increased 13.1% in 2022⁸.

With the influence that it has in the workplace on operations, profits, job satisfaction, turnover and employee safety, mental health has become an increasingly urgent priority. So, what steps can be taken to address this issue?

4 Steps to Maximize Mental Wellness – H.O.P.E.

1: Help create a supportive environment

A supportive work environment is essential for promoting mental wellness. Begin by training supervisors to identify mental health issues and provide suitable support. Foster open conversations about mental health, ensuring employees can discuss their challenges without fear of stigma or repercussions. Implement policies that encourage work-life balance, such as flexible hours or remote work options. These efforts cultivate a culture of empathy and understanding, encouraging employees to seek help early and contributing to a healthier workplace.

2: Offer mental health resources at work

Providing resources, like an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers a means of confidential support to those in need. Educating employees about mental wellness is another important step. Traumatic events, everyday stressors, mental health conditions and addiction can all benefit from early identification and intervention. Providing access to such services through an EAP is a critical step in promoting employee well-being. For every $1 spent on mental health concerns, employers see a $4 return in productivity gains⁷.

3: Promote mental wellness programs beyond work

Mental health goes beyond the workday and work-related stressors. Organize workshops, seminars, or webinars that concentrate on stress management, resilience building, and mindfulness techniques. Training sessions can enable employees to understand mental health issues and develop effective coping strategies. Additionally, distributing educational materials on identifying early signs of mental health problems and addressing them can empower your team. By equipping employees with the necessary knowledge and tools to deal with stress and mental wellness outside of the workplace, you cultivate a workforce better prepared to manage stress and support one another, ultimately enhancing overall well-being.

4:  Evaluate and adapt programs on a regular basis

Regularly evaluating your mental wellness and safety programs is crucial to ensure they effectively address the evolving needs of your workforce. Utilize methods such as observations, surveys, focus groups, or one-on-one interviews to gain insights into which aspects of the programs are successful and which need improvement. Be prepared to adapt your strategies based on evaluation outcomes to maximize impact. By keeping your initiatives relevant and aligned with employee needs, you demonstrate a commitment to their well-being, ultimately fostering a more engaged and productive workforce.

The Role of Leadership

The success of any mental wellness initiative relies on strong leadership support and commitment from top-level management. Leaders must recognize that investing in employee well-being is not only beneficial for workers but also for the organization. By prioritizing worker health and safety, leaders can foster a more positive work culture and create an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and engaged.

Leaders play a vital role in modeling healthy behaviors and advocating for a work-life balance that values both physical and mental well-being. By prioritizing their own health, leaders inspire their employees to do the same.

Organizations that integrate mental wellness into their corporate culture and safety programs are more likely to achieve positive outcomes, including increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and improved employee retention.

Conclusion

Prioritizing mental wellness is crucial for fostering a healthy and productive workforce. By addressing both physical and mental health needs, organizations can cultivate a positive work environment that champions employee well-being. With robust leadership support and dedication to employee health, companies can achieve enhanced organizational performance and a more engaged workforce.

Additional Resources

• Mental Health Checklist for Senior Managers
• Mental Health Checklist for Front-line Supervisors
• Make Work Better – Mental Health Matters