Mental health focus of new OSHA fact sheet

A new OSHA fact sheet (OSHA-4395) outlines the effects of stress, traumatic events, and substance use disorders on a worker’s mental health. While a worker’s physical health is an important component of overall well-being, their mental health is just as important.

Per OSHA, “Mental health concerns due to work have the potential to adversely impact an employee’s social interactions, productivity, performance, and absenteeism.” Stress affects people in various ways. It can cause:

• Headaches,
• Stomach discomfort,
• High blood pressure, and
• Heart disease.

Traumatic events, such as explosions and co-worker injury or death, can have emotional, cognitive, behavioral, or physical impacts on a worker. Affected workers may:

• Feel anxious,
• Have terrifying thoughts or flashbacks, or
• Frighten easily.

If workers experience these or other symptoms, they may need professional help.

The fact sheet also discusses substance use disorders and provides resources to help support employees’ mental health.