Acknowledging Workplace Substance Abuse and Mental Health: How to Support Struggling Workers to Ensure Safety
Nearly 88,000 people die from alcohol-related causes annually, making it the third leading preventable cause of death in the U.S. Meanwhile, opioid abuse and dependency grew under lax regulation to become a national public health emergency under federal law.
In 2017 alone, over 47,000 Americans died by suicide, making it the tenth leading cause of death in the U.S. Men die by suicide three and a half times more often than women, with white males accounting for almost 70% of suicide deaths. One in five Americans report being treated for depression at some point in their lifetime, with many more remaining untreated due to the stigma still surrounding mental health.
Both substance abuse and mental health have a direct effect on the health and safety of an organization. Without proper supports, employees struggling with these issues become disengaged, less productive and, in some cases, a workplace hazard. It’s important for organizations to understand how their policies can support the mental well-being and overall safety of the workplace.
FEI’s Raquelle Solon is presenting “Substance Abuse and Mental Health in the Workforce” on Wednesday, June 26, for EHS Daily Advisor. The free webinar will discuss how ongoing education and training is necessary for workplaces to provide informed substance abuse and mental health policies that foster employee health and well-being.