Preventing work-related stress, and the NASC guidance that supports it

A simple conversation is often the first step towards a healthier workplace. Making time to ask how people are coping, and acting on what they tell you, can identify pressures before they turn into bigger problems.

HSE's Working Minds campaign encourages employers to take early action to prevent work-related stress and support good mental health. Its video, 'Prevent stress before it starts', is a useful starting point for a team meeting, a toolbox talk or a discussion with managers.

The five steps

The campaign promotes five practical steps:

• Reach out. Make time for an open conversation.
• Recognise. Identify the signs of stress and what may be causing them.
• Respond. Agree practical actions to address the pressures.
• Reflect. Check whether those actions are making a difference.
• Make it routine. Build regular conversations into everyday working life.

This is a legal duty, not an optional extra

Employers have a legal duty to assess and manage the risks of work-related stress. Listening to staff and following through with action should form part of normal health and safety management, in the same way as any other risk on site.

A useful question to put to your team is: what is making your work harder than it needs to be, and what could we change? That can open up a discussion about workload, deadlines, communication or the support available. Agreeing a manageable change, giving someone responsibility for it and setting a review date helps turn the conversation into real progress.

NASC guidance: SG38

NASC guidance SG38 Guidance on Mental Health Wellbeing was developed to help scaffolding contractors and their employees understand the mental health issues our industry faces, raise awareness, and help break down the stigma associated with all aspects of mental health.

It gives you the tools to understand what can trigger poor mental health, and to recognise changes in emotions and behaviours when someone is struggling. NASC recommends that scaffolding contractors follow SG38's guidance and contact the mental health organisations listed in its reference section when additional support is needed.

Further support

If you or someone you work with is struggling, the Lighthouse Charity offers free and confidential support to the construction community, 24 hours a day, on 0345 605 1956 in the UK and 1800 939 122 in Ireland.