Substance misuse is the unsafe or inappropriate use of alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription and over-the-counter medication. It can affect a person’s health, behaviour, work, relationships, and safety, and may continue even when it causes harm. In the workplace, drug and alcohol misuse can lead to lateness, absenteeism, reduced productivity, and a greater risk of […]
Anyone can be affected by substance misuse, and while employers cannot control every facet of an employee’s wellbeing, they can develop a positive workplace culture that supports healthy lifestyle choices. These are ten practical tips for preventing substance misuse in the workplace. 1. Create a clear policy Your organisation should have a clear and up-to-date […]
As part of June’s Hazard of the Month, Substance Misuse, we’re highlighting two key areas: Drugs and Alcohol at Work & Healthy Living Awareness. Drugs and Alcohol at Work Employers have a legal duty to protect the health, safety, and welfare of their employees. Being able to identify the signs of drug and alcohol misuse is […]
6.1M UK managers lack mental health training New research reveals 6.1m UK workers with line management responsibility are not prepared for conversations about mental health with those they have a duty of care for. The analysis, completed by health and safety training provider RRC International, found that one in four employees have management accountability, but 71% […]
Construction tops burnout despite wellbeing lead New research from Westfield Health finds that above-average wellbeing provision in construction is failing to prevent burnout, with a quarter of the sector’s workforce affected, more than any other industry. The study found that provision of core benefits in construction outperforms the UK average. Private healthcare (16% vs. 13%), […]
Two firms fined after racking collapse killed two workers Two companies have been fined following an incident which resulted in the deaths of two workers in West Yorkshire. Lee Horton, 58, and Daron Pickstock, 43, were killed when an industrial racking system collapsed as it was being tested at Castefields Industrial Estate in Bingley on […]
NHS Trust fined after it failed to manage hand-arm vibration risks An NHS Trust has been fined £40,000 after several employees were diagnosed with Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), following prolonged exposure to vibration from work equipment. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) began an investigation into Chesterfield Royal Hospital […]
Construction work naturally comes with many risks to health and safety, and control measures are heavily focused on physical hazards to counter this. However, it is important to remember the role stress plays in health and safety challenges faced by those in the construction industry. In the UK 22.1 million Working days lost due to […]
WFH linked to significant mental health gains, a study of 16K employees finds Employees who work predominantly from home experience stronger mental health outcomes than those who commute to the office, according to new research published in Social Science & Medicine. The study, led by researchers from the University of Melbourne and partner institutions, analysed […]
Mindfulness, the practice of noticing our surroundings in the present moment without judgement, may be the key to reduced stress in the workplace. It can help to reduce stress, while improving focus and productivity. 1. Take breaks regularly Research has shown that incorporating regular breaks into your work day can help to improve productivity. With […]