World Suicide Prevention Day is held each year on 10 September. It is important that we raise awareness to this worthy cause within the workplace as many people (employees) have taken their lives.
Suicides in the UK
In 2018, there were 6,859 suicides in the UK and 352 in the Republic of Ireland (source: Samaritans). This figure is likely to be higher in 2020 (yet to be released) as Covid 19 has had a profound psychological impact on many due to being alone at home and isolated.
It is important to identify when a person is suicidal; symptoms include anxiety, stress, low resilience and those with on-going mental health problems. Being suicidal can make a person more prone to self-harming and wanting to end their life.
With such high figures, what can we do to support our colleagues and to raise awareness?
When a colleague reaches out for support, there are a number of resources management can turn to for help.
Employee assistance programme (EAP).
Many employers have this benefit. It is a paid for service by the Company. EAP assists employees with personal problems through trained telephone counselling offering emotional support.
Management Training.
There are a number of charitable organisations such as Samaritans and Zero Suicide Alliance who offer free ongoing training support to management to assist in identifying those at risk and to provide supportive mechanisms to help.
Risk Assessments.
Management should carry out stress risk assessments to identify employees most at risk. Management should hold regular meetings with staff most likely to be at risk and require urgent attention. Template assessment is available from the Quest Health and Safety Library.
Health and welfare policy.
If you have one, then to include suicide awareness within the policy. Ensure that the policy highlights employees health and welfare is a priority at every stage during their employment. Employers should act with compassion and support. The employee should be treated with dignity.
The article is for general information purposes only and should you require any further assistance on the matter please do not hesitate to call our advice-line team on 01455 852028 or contact us here.
