HSE looks to new standard in fight against workplace suicide

Jon Cowlan, health and safety expert at Pinsent Masons, was speaking after the safety regulator reaffirmed its commitment to improving mental health at its recent annual general meeting.

The HSE has been working hard to support employers improve the mental health of their workforce, including via its Working Minds campaign and free online tools to help employers get to grips with relevant risk assessments. It is clearly serious about driving improvement in this area, highlighting that around half of its inspections last year targeted health management. It also confirmed that new research programmes are underway to improve understanding of mental health causes and interventions, in turn guiding future regulatory activity.

Recent statistics published by the regulator show 1.7 million workers in the UK suffered from ill health in the last year, with half of those numbers relating to work-related stress, depression or anxiety. Whilst these statistics are likely to play a part in this information gathering process, these have been criticised as not revealing the whole story. In particular, suicides related to work are not included. This has resulted in some criticism that the figures produced are, consequently, not representative of the true position.

The HSE has long referenced the difficulties in identifying a "unique link between work activity and suicide as most suicides generally arise out of a very complex and often subjective range of factors". In "appropriate cases", however, the HSE may investigate a suicide.

At its AGM, the HSE was asked how it was addressing workplace suicide, with reference made to the British Standards Institute’s (BSI’s) recent consultation on its new BS 30480 Suicide and the workplace – Intervention, prevention and support for people affected by suicide. Whilst the regulator confirmed it doesn't specifically consider work related suicide, one of its key priorities is work related stress which can be a precursor of suicidal ideation.

Its spokesperson confirmed its interest in the BSI's work in this area and in carrying out further research to inform future guidance for employers.

Cowlan said said: “The HSE's current guidance on suicide prevention highlights the psychosocial factors which may cause risk – including bullying, job insecurity, work related stressors and discrimination. It reminds employers of the need to address the risk as part of their duty to safeguard a worker’s mental as well as physical health.”

The BSI launched a consultation in May on BS 30480, the UK’s first workplace standard dedicated to suicide awareness and education. It is designed to provide comprehensive guidelines to help organisations plan for, respond to, and support people affected by suicide. The draft standard includes examples of suicide risks and warning signs along with toolkits for managers and HR teams as well as guidance on how to support those dealing with suicide loss.

Due for final publication in the autumn, BS 30480 will be an important tool for employers as they get to grips with their responsibilities to safeguard their workers’ mental health, Cowlan said.