Employment & HR

Whilst it is well documented that poor mental health raises absenteeism in the workplace, it is becoming recognised that it may be having another negative impact - a rise in workplace injuries. Why is this, and can you do anything to reduce the risk?

The Working Time Regulations 1998 set out rules limiting a worker’s working hours and providing for them to have rest breaks. What are your main obligations in relation to working hours and rest breaks under the legislation?

Who is there to support the supporters? If you provide a mental health first aider (MHFA) you may find that taking on people’s problems day after day can leave them drained and burnt-out. Confidentiality. An MHFA may feel that they are bound by confidentiality and cannot discuss how they feel. But holding very serious and in-depth discussions with staff will eventually have an impact. Tip. If you employ more than one MFHA, train them to talk to each other (keeping the details of the individuals involved anonymous). Tip. Encourage MHFAs to set aside a monthly date and time in their diary to use an employee assistance programme (if you have one) to talk to a trained expert. If not, allow your MHFA time to process their experiences. Tip. A normal first aider may also need this level of support, especially if they have dealt with a traumatic accident in the workplace. ...

If you’re considering employing a child who’s still at school, be aware that there are various restrictions in place around the types of work they can do, and the hours they can work. What steps can you take to ensure compliance with the law?

Not just enforcement . The HSE does not just act as the safety police and visit workplaces to find fault and prosecute businesses that are failing in their legal obligations. It is also a proactive body which provides training sessions to help SMEs comply with the myriad regulations. ...

The responsibility for mental health in the workplace can fall under the scope of human resources (HR) or health and safety (HS), or both. At a time when the problem is increasing exponentially, what is the best approach?