When we think about workplace safety, we often think about preventing slips, trips, falls or accidents. However, one of the greatest risks facing today’s workforce is often invisible.
Mental health affects how people think, feel and behave. Poor mental health can reduce concentration, increase fatigue, impair decision-making and significantly increase the likelihood of workplace accidents.
Stress, anxiety and depression can affect anyone regardless of age, occupation or seniority. Employers who actively support mental wellbeing not only fulfil their legal duties but also create healthier, safer and more productive workplaces.
Why It Matters
Recent statistics continue to show that:
- Around one in four people will experience a mental health condition each year.
- Work-related stress, anxiety and depression remain one of the leading causes of sickness absence in Great Britain.
- Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death in people of working age, particularly among men.
The construction industry continues to have particular challenges due to long hours, job insecurity, financial pressures, working away from home, and the culture of “just getting on with it.”
Legal Responsibilities
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers have a duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of employees.
This includes considering psychological as well as physical health.
Where work-related stress presents a foreseeable risk, employers should assess and manage those risks in the same way as any other workplace hazard.
Recognising the Signs
Everyone responds differently, but common signs that someone may be struggling include:
- Changes in behaviour or mood.
- Withdrawal from colleagues.
- Reduced concentration.
- Increased mistakes.
- Irritability.
- Increased sickness absence.
- Fatigue.
- Reduced productivity.
- Talking about feeling overwhelmed or hopeless.
Early conversations can make a significant difference.
Suicide Awareness
Talking about suicide does not increase the likelihood that someone will take their own life.
If someone talks about the following, these should always be taken seriously.
- Feeling hopeless
- Believing others would be better off without them
- Having no reason to continue
- Making comments about ending their life
If there is an immediate risk of harm, emergency services should be contacted without delay.
Employers should never assume someone is “just looking for attention.”
Creating a Supportive Workplace
Simple measures can make a real difference:
- Encourage open conversations about mental health.
- Train managers to recognise warning signs.
- Promote Employee Assistance Programmes (where available).
- Ensure workloads are realistic.
- Encourage regular breaks and annual leave.
- Tackle bullying and harassment promptly.
- Foster a culture where asking for help is viewed as a strength.
“It is OK not to be OK – but it is not OK to struggle alone.”
A simple conversation, listening without judgement and directing someone towards appropriate support can make a life-changing difference.
Looking After Yourself
If you are feeling overwhelmed:
- Speak to someone you trust.
- Talk to your manager if work is contributing.
- Contact your GP if symptoms persist.
- Make time for rest, exercise and social interaction.
- Remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Useful Support Organisations
- Samaritans – 116 123 (24 hours a day)
- NHS 111 (for urgent mental health advice where appropriate)
- Mind – Mental health information and support
- Lighthouse Charity – Mental health and wellbeing support for the construction industry
- Mates in Mind – Improving mental health across workplaces
At Kingfisher, we support business in creating safer, healthier and legally compliant workplaces.
If you need help taking the right steps for your business, get in touch for H&S support.