The First Aid Needs Assessment may indicate support for mental health issues could be useful. Consider:
A qualified first-aider may require additional training to deal with mental health issues which include information on how to recognise warning signs and how to deal with someone with a mental health issue.
Work-related mental health issues must be assessed to identify risks which should be eliminated or reduced so far as is reasonably practicable.
Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health problems and can occur from personal work work-related issued and work can aggravate existing conditions.
Work-related mental health issues must be assessed to identify risks which should be eliminated or reduced so far as is reasonably practicable.
HSE defines stress as “the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them”. It affects people differently and should be managed by ensuring people are effectively trained in tasks and the planning of them to help reduce pressure. The following areas affect stress levels and should be assessed:
Stress is not an illness but it can make people ill.
Workers acting differently may indicate that they are stressed so managers should keep an eye out for changes. This could include them taking more time off work, being late or looking nervous. They may also have mood swings, be withdrawn, be demotivated or be more tearful, sensitive or aggressive. Indicators include:
Stress can lead people to eat more or less than usual, to smoke, to take drugs, to drink alcohol or have difficulty sleeping.
Staff should be encouraged to speak to managers if they are stressed or to consult policies if their line manager is a cause of their stress.