The Role of Workplace Safety Leaders in Suicide Prevention
Suicide prevention needs to be a top safety priority in the workplace
Approximately 70% of suicides in the United States are among working-age adults (age 18-64), the majority of whom are currently employed. That means, whether or not a particular suicide is related to work or occurs at work, workplaces have an important role to play in suicide prevention.
As Occupational Health & Safety Magazine reported, this subject has recently gained traction in the construction industry, focusing on the role of safety professionals in preventing worker suicide. Suicide risk in the workplace is a real problem, and managers, coworkers, and safety professionals must do their part to minimize that risk.
Safety professionals need to look beyond physical safety to address mental health as well
When most people think of workplace safety, they likely think of physical safety measures: hard hats, harnesses, warning signs, fire prevention, and security guards, for example. But safety leaders in the workplace need to look beyond those physical measures to take stock of the mental health of their colleagues.
As the Occupational Health & Safety article pointed out, many behaviors that indicate suicide risk may manifest at work, such as isolating from colleagues, expressing feelings of hopelessness, or taking extreme risks. Workplace leaders need to know the warning signs of suicide and respond appropriately. They also need to create a warm, supportive environment where colleagues are comfortable talking about their feelings and asking for help.
These steps are particularly important in occupations with elevated suicide rates, such as mining, construction, entertainment, and agriculture. Furthermore, if a colleague has known suicide risk factors, such as chronic pain or a history of depression or self-harm, safety leaders should be particularly attentive to those risks.
Employers can provide important resources to help employees manage suicide risk
While employers need to maintain appropriate boundaries when dealing with employees’ mental health, there is still a great deal they can do to help reduce the risk of suicide, such as:
- Training managers and safety professionals in suicide prevention techniques, such as the QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) method. (Full disclosure. Skip Simpson is honored to be on the faculty of the QPR Institute.)
- Providing resources for employees, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), that can assist with mental health issues.
- Providing flexible schedules and time off for employees to attend counseling or receive medical treatment.
- Cultivating a supportive, open environment for employees.
- Promptly addressing any workplace issues that can increase suicide risk, including workplace harassment and abuse.
Ultimately, however, employers are not their employees’ healthcare providers. Employers can provide resources and flexibility, and they can encourage at-risk employees to get help, but it’s up to medical professionals to actually treat the causes of suicide risk and keep their patients safe. When they fail in that responsibility, lives can be lost.
We stand up for families who have lost loved ones to suicide completion
Suicide is preventable, and when medical professionals fail to protect their patients, The Law Offices of Skip Simpson works to hold them accountable. If you have lost a loved one to suicide completion, we would be honored to listen to your story and explain your options. Our consultation is free and confidential, and there is no obligation to hire us if we determine there is a viable case. Give us a call or contact us online today. We’re based in Texas but represent families nationwide.
