Post-Incident: Supporting Workers’ Mental Health in the Workplace

When we think of workplace accidents, we often picture the accident itself – someone falling from a height or a machine bursting into flames. We can hear the bangs and the crashes, but we might not immediately grasp what happens after an incident occurs. A few weeks after an incident, a worker may be stitched or bandaged up, but still reeling from the toll the incident has taken on their mental and emotional health. In this post, we’ll highlight the importance of providing sufficient support to injured workers and tips on how to support their psychological well-being during the recovery process.

Understanding the impact of workplace incidents on mental health

Whether it’s a bone break caused by a bad fall, a minor burn from a fire or a respiratory illness caused by exposure to chemicals, workplace incidents can cause physical injuries and emotional trauma that can lead to long-term psychological effects.

According to data from Golden Steps , around 7-19% of employees who experience traumatic incidents at work may develop PTSD, a condition that can cause flashbacks, anxiety and depression. Many people continue to battle these symptoms long after they’ve physically recovered from an accident. Common symptoms of anxiety and depression include trouble sleeping, loss of interest in tasks or hobbies that were previously enjoyed, loss of confidence and feeling irritable or fatigued. It’s easy to understand how the psychological impact of workplace incidents can disrupt an employee’s overall well-being and their ability to work.

The role of employers in providing support for workers after an incident

For workers to feel supported and confident to return to work following an accident, it’s crucial that employers foster a workplace culture of empathy and support. The first step is to make it clear that, as a leader, you acknowledge the psychological impact of workplace incidents and demonstrate this by providing tangible support to affected employees.

There are a range of measures employers can take to help workers manage their physical recovery and support their mental health, including:

1.????Encouraging open communication and regular check-ins: Employers should encourage open communication and regular check-ins with workers throughout their recovery period to help them feel valued and supported in their return to work.

2.????Offering opportunities for peer support and counseling: Providing information on or hosting peer support groups or counseling sessions provide a space where individuals struggling with trauma can feel a sense of community, helping them feel less isolated.

3.????Providing opportunities for social connection and community involvement: If employees are required to take a long break from work due to injury, employers can provide opportunities for them to stay connected to their colleagues and the community by organizing social activities or volunteering. Should this be in-person or virtual, recognize that it might be difficult for someone with a sustained injury to participate in physical activity.

4.????Prioritizing work-life balance: Another effective way in which employers can support workers in the recovery period is by making flexible accommodations for their return to work. If an employee feels that they have the right patterns in place that enable them to carry out their work, along with activities needed to maintain good mental health, such as exercise and time with family and friends, they’re likely to return to work feeling happier and more confident.

Examples of successful mental health support initiatives in the workplace

While checking in with employees is important in the aftermath of an incident and throughout their recovery period, it’s important that organizations maintain a strong culture of empathy all year round. There are several ongoing initiatives that leaders can introduce to their workplace to encourage better mental health, including:

1.????Mental health first aid training: Employers can train supervisors and employees in mental health first aid to help them recognize and respond to mental health concerns in the workplace due to stress or in the aftermath of a traumatic incident.

2.????Mindfulness and meditation programs: Introducing both virtual and in-person mindfulness and meditation programs can help reduce stress and promote relaxation among employees.

3.????Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): The creation of an ERG within your organization provides a supportive community for employees who have experienced similar trauma or experiences, helping them feel more connected and valued in the workplace.

Workplace incidents can have a significant impact on workers' mental health, but employers have a unique opportunity to support them by creating a culture of empathy, offering mental health resources and promoting work-life balance so they feel happy and confident when carrying out their daily tasks.

To get more tips on protecting the mental health of your workforce, check out our video, Leave It at the Door: Applying the ‘Sonder’ Mentality to Health and Safety.