The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has updated its guidance on first aid regulations in the workplace to include mental health considerations. Employers are now required to assess and provide support for both physical and mental health needs.
Are you familiar with the latest changes regarding mental health at work?
One in 4 people in the UK will suffer with a mental health problem at some point in their lives, anxiety and depression being the most common, bought on by difficult life events such as bereavement or illness, moving to a new house, relationship problems, financial problems, stress at work and others.
Recognising the early signs of a mental health problem, could prevent longer ongoing problems, which in turn, could lead to more time off and less production.
Some of the signs can include:
- Unusual lateness.
- Lack of personal hygiene
- Becoming very quiet and not wanting to take part of any activities
- May seem more tired than usual.
- Frequent mood swings
- Low concentration levels
- Making bad decisions
The Health and Safety (First- Aid) Regulations 1981 impose duties on employers to ensure suitable measures are in place to provide appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel, in the event of an accident, as well as provide adequate support to all employees regarding mental health and their wellbeing. These Regulations apply to all workplaces including those with less than five employees.
Suitable measures will include but not be limited to: first aid health and safety policies and procedures including mental health and wellbeing, a sufficient first aid needs assessment, suitable number of trained and competent first aiders including mental health first aiders as well as suitably stocked first aid kits.
Where an employee has raised concerns regarding their mental health, the employer must appoint and train a competent mental health first aider as well as provide the appropriate support to comply with the Regulations. Considerations must be given to the appointed mental health first aider to ensure they meet the appropriate criteria.
If you are unsure on your company needs, feel free to contact us by email at info@mbo.ltd or phone on 0800 0842297. From bespoke policies and procedures to first aid needs assessments as well as accredited First Aid at Work training and First Aid for Mental Health (FAA Level 1 Award) training, MBO can help.