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We usually measure our fitness by our physical health, but our mental health is just as
important. Mental health distress and illness can negatively impact your safety and the safety
of your co-workers. Though everyone experiences stress and trauma differently, there are
common signs to watch for and proactive steps you can take to prioritize your mental health.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, nearly one-
in-five American adults live with mental illness. More face stress and anxiety from
unexpected crises, whether it’s a personal issue or a workplace incident. While mental
health concerns can feel overwhelming and may not seem like a risk to you or your co-
worker; however, they can pose serious dangers.
According to the CDC, mental health concerns can impact your physical health. Depression,
for example, increases the risks for diabetes, heart disease and stroke. In stressful
situations, it can be tempting to ignore the cause of our anxieties and focus on something
else, but that will only compound the problem. Understanding the risks of mental distress
and facing the source of your stress is the first step toward successfully managing these
issues.
The signs of mental distress may not show up for weeks or months after a stressful situation
or experience. Regardless of the timing, watch for common signs such as:
o Feeling unmotivated, or physically or mentally drained
o Feeling sad, lonely, numb, or worried
o Changes in your appetite or sleep patterns
o Increases in alcohol or drug use
o Difficulty focusing or making decisions
o Arguing more or becoming easily frustrated with family, friends, or co-workers
Even if you don’t notice these signs, if you aren’t feeling like yourself, don’t ignore it. There
are many myths and misconceptions about mental health, which can make it difficult to
recognize the signs in yourself. It is not wrong to have these feelings, but if you are having
them frequently, it is a sign you should seek additional help. In addition to looking for these
signs in yourself, you can also watch and listen for signs in your co-workers, such as:
Disclosure of exceptional stress or mental health conditions, such as depression or
anxiety
Failure to fulfill major life responsibilities, such as work, school, or financial
obligations
Withdrawal from important relationships
Don’t pry or make assumptions, but it can be helpful to check in and listen with
compassion. Learn more about the common signs and causes of workplace stress and what
you can do to help manage it.
There are resources available to help you. At work, you can talk to your supervisor or
human resources about what’s causing your stress. Your workplace might offer an
There are resources available to help you. At work, you can talk to your supervisor or human resources about what’s causing your stress. Your workplace might offer an employee assistance program (EAP) with access to counselors, financial planners, and other resources. Outside of work, you can talk with your doctor, a loved one or a trusted friend.
Remember that there is no shame in asking for help or seeking counseling. No one needs to
conquer a crisis alone; lean on others when you need help and provide assistance when
others need it from you.
Once you understand the source of your stress, there are proactive steps to address it and
reduce your anxiety. Focus on keeping yourself healthy by:
o Getting at least seven hours of sleep each day to recharge both mentally and
physically
o Exercising regularly for 30 minutes a day, it could be as simple as a walk
o Eating healthy food
Separating work from your personal life, including taking time for activities you enjoy
and using all your vacation days
Stress won’t go away overnight, but each step can make a difference. While maintaining
these healthy habits, you can make your body and mind more resilient, and better able to
deal with stress. The more prepared you are to manage your stress, the more you can do to
help keep you, co-workers and loved ones safe.
Electricity is one of the most common causes of fire in homes and workplaces. Explosions have
also resulted from electrical sources. OSHA’s electrical standard is designed to protect
employees exposed to dangers such as electric shock, electrocution, fires, and explosions.
OSHA’s General Industry electrical standards contained in 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S.
On average, a worker is electrocuted on the job every day. There are four main types of
electrical injuries; electrocution, electrical shock, burns, and falls. Electrical shock is produced
when a current passes through the body. Severity of the shock depends on the path of the
current and the amount of current flowing through the body, and the length of time the body is
in the circuit.
The difference between electrocution and electric shock is that electrocution ends with death.
Electrocution causes death or severe injury when a high voltage electric current passes through
the body. An electrical shock is when an electric current travels through the body, causing
muscles to involuntarily seize. An electrical shock can occur even if there is no direct contact
with the source of electricity, as it can travel through the air and come in contact with hair and
skin. The human body has a low resistance to electricity causing it to act as a good conductor.
The severity of damage from electric shock can range from skin burns, twitching of muscles,
heart attack, to death, depending on the voltage of current that is present during the shock. A
current can travel through the skin’s surface, then through the muscles, and into the body’s
organs. Other injuries can include seizures, breathing problems, and broken bones.
Electrical accidents happen with a combination of unsafe equipment and/or installation,
workplaces made unsafe by the environment, and unsafe work practices. Remember, low
voltage does not mean low hazard. To avoid hazards:
o Look for overhead power lines and buried power line indicators. Post warning signs.
o Contact utilities for buried power line locations.
o Stay at least ten feet away from overhead power lines.
o Unless you know otherwise, assume that overhead lines are energized (live).
o De-energize and ground lines when working near them. Other protective measures
include guarding or insulating the lines.
o Use non-conductive wood or fiberglass ladders when working near power lines.
o Use extra caution when working with electricity when water is present in the
environment or on the skin. Pure water is a poor conductor, but small amounts of
impurities, such as salt and acid (both found in perspiration), make it a ready conductor.
Definitions of common electrical verbiage:
Current = the movement of electrical charge
Resistance = opposition to current flow
Voltage = a measure of electrical force
Conductors = substances, such as metals, which have little resistance to electricity
Insulators = substances, such as wood, rubber, and glass, which have high resistance to
electricity
Grounding = a conductive connection to the earth which acts as a protective measure
We work diligently to ensure that you have the tools you need to prioritize safety in the workplace and on your job site.