The most recent HSE annual statistics paint a pretty grim picture with regard to work-related stress, depression and anxiety.
The 2019/20 statistics suggest that in this period 828,000 workers suffered from mental health conditions linked to their work, with 347,000 of those being new cases. The estimated cost in terms of lost working days is measured at 17.9 million days in 2019/2020 - of course, this says nothing of the human cost.
It is also important to note that the HSE’s data is reliant upon self-reporting. With mental health still carrying with it a stigma, particularly in certain professions and occupations, it would be reasonable to question whether the figures presented are representative of the true position.
The principle causes for mental health problems are cited as workload, lack of support, violence, threats or bullying and changes within the workplace. These causes remain constant but the trend in terms of cases is worrying - 2018 saw 595,000 affected employees and 239,000 new cases giving rise to 15.4 million days lost and 2017 reports listed 526,000 cases, 236,000 of which were new, resulting in 12.5 million lost days.
Whilst the trend in cases requires some urgency, it’s clear that the need to manage risk in this area is not a new thing. Why then, when it has been a legal requirement to manage such risks for decades, in practice I have come across so few examples of the HSE or local authorities addressing issues around mental health in a meaningful way?
A brief glance at the HSE’s enforcement database indicates that only one improvement notice addressing workplace stress has been issued. I have acted in only one case where bullying and cultural issues were raised by inspectors.
It is heartening to see that the HSE are beginning to address the issue of workplace mental health. In part driven by the statistical trends, and perhaps in part by the anticipated effects of the pandemic, the HSE have this week launched their ‘Working Minds’ campaign.
Sarah Albon, Chief Executive of The Health and Safety Executive, at the HSE Health and Work Conference, said that Working Minds was driven towards raising awareness about how to recognise and respond to the signs of stress and would serve to remind employers of their legal duty to protect workers and support good mental health to help people to stay well.
Working with partner organisations, including Mind, Acas, Mates in Mind, Civil Engineering Contractors Association, Composites UK, the Homecare Association, the Farm Safety Foundation and Lifelines Scotland the HSE aim to provide small businesses with relevant information and practical tools.
Sarah Albon said: “Work-related stress and poor mental health should be treated with the same significance as risks of poor physical health and injury. In terms of the affect it has on workers, significant and long-term stress can limit performance and impact personal lives.
“No worker should suffer in silence and if we don’t act now to improve workers’ mental health, this could evolve into a health and safety crisis.
“The pandemic has highlighted the need to protect the health of employees who have faced unprecedented challenges; the Government is committed to building back better and we want to make sure good mental health is central to this.”
We hope that this initiative will mark the start of a deeper engagement with the issue of colleague mental health, driven by proactive regulation.
It is vital for employers to take positive steps to tackle stress and anxiety in their workplace. Contact a member of our Regulatory Team to find out how we can help you.
