Leading and Learning Through Safety

In this episode of Leading and Learning Through Safety, Dr. Mark French explores mental health as a workplace issue, sparked by a Professional Safety Journal article on mental health and suicide in construction. He emphasizes that while work doesn’t necessarily cause mental health struggles, it can be a significant stressor, with leadership, culture, and supervision playing key roles in employee well-being.

A major insight is that direct supervisors can influence employees’ mental health as much as their family members. Poor leadership can create a toxic environment, while supportive leadership can foster well-being. The episode challenges the common “blame-the-worker” approach to safety incidents, arguing that mental health issues often contribute to distraction and errors.

Access to mental health resources remains a challenge, with employees facing stigma, unresponsive EAP programs, and difficulty finding suitable providers. However, survey findings from the construction industry were not as negative as expected, indicating some progress in workplace mental health initiatives.

Dr. French expresses optimism about increasing employer investment in mental health resources, as seen at HR and safety conferences. He calls for varied, adaptable approaches to mental health support, ensuring employees feel safe discussing their struggles. Ultimately, fostering a strong workplace culture that prioritizes mental health alongside physical safety is essential for employee well-being and overall organizational success.