Workplace mental health: OSHA publishes fact sheet

Washington — A new fact sheet from OSHA is intended to help employers prioritize workers’ mental health.

“Mental health is an important component of overall well-being and is equally as vital as physical health for all employees,” OSHA says. “Mental health concerns due to work have the potential to adversely impact an employee’s social interactions, productivity, performance and absenteeism.”

The fact sheet – available in English and Spanish – outlines the effects of stress, traumatic events and substance use disorders on a worker’s mental health. It also touches on suicide, listing ways to contact crisis counselors.

OSHA says it plans to incorporate information from the fact sheet into the introduction of its 10- and 30-hour outreaching training courses.