The physical effects of accidents range from minor injury to serious harm, and in some cases, permanent disability. Over and above the physical effects of occupational injuries and illnesses, there is another critical issue, namely, mental health as a result of occupational hazards. Such mental health impacts can affect employees to an equal, or even greater, degree as they struggle to come to terms with the often life-changing consequences of a workplace accident.
Mental Health Consequences of Occupational Accidents
Negative mental health issues may be short-term, for example, during the recovery period following an injury or illness. However, in situations where there are serious health complications or physical trauma, mental health problems can be long-term, and in some cases, become a debilitating factor. This is particularly prevalent in instances where the employee suffers a permanent disability as a result of a workplace accident.
Survivor of a near-fatal fall from a 2nd-storey building level, Lawrence Rebabo (a FEM beneficiary) explains: “I don’t remember what happened, I just remember waking up in the hospital. They told me I had been unconscious for two days. I sustained many injuries, but the worst was when the doctors told me that due to my injuries, I would not be able to walk and I would be using a wheelchair from then onwards. The news was so devastating that I attempted to commit suicide as I no longer saw a future for myself.”
Another FEM beneficiary, Thabiso Ngema, was working at a construction site set up for road repairs when she suffered a horrific accident. While measuring spacing distancing for road repairs, a construction vehicle whilst moving, pinned her between the vehicle and another construction machine. The accident caused severe physical and mental damage. “My life changed completely, I suffer from spasms and ongoing seizures. I had a lot of mental impacts, my mind was no longer functioning well. I suffered from depression and anxiety due to the accident. I also lost relationships with most of my loved ones as they would tell me I was crazy. I was not ok, and I went through a lot due to the accident. This led to me being suicidal at that point as I did not know what to do.”
*Research shows that globally, over 70% of people with mental illness receive no treatment from healthcare staff.
Mental Health Support for Accident Victims
Families, friends, and colleagues play a crucial role in supporting individuals who have experienced a significant injury or illness. It’s important to understand and acknowledge the mental trauma that often accompanies such events. By providing emotional support and a sense of community, they can help the affected person cope with the devastating effects of a serious accident.
Employers have a fundamental responsibility to prioritise the well-being of their employees, both physically and mentally. This includes comprehensive occupational injuries and illness insurance that covers the costs of long-term recovery and rehabilitation programmes. These programs should support employees throughout their physical recovery and assist them in reintegrating into their family, social, and professional lives.
In the case of Thabiso, such post-accident mental rehabilitation was critical to her healing process. “I was sent to psychologists and psychiatrists who helped me to recover. Their support assisted me to get better, and improve my mental and emotional state. The doctors helped me to heal as my mind was no longer functioning well at that time. In fact, they helped me to survive. I learnt to be independent and rely on myself. I was able to learn new skills, and I am now learning a new profession.”
Maintaining a Healthy Work Environment
A healthy workplace is one where workers and managers actively contribute to the working environment by promoting and protecting the health, safety, and well-being of all employees. A recent **guide from the World Economic Forum (WEF) suggests that interventions should take a three-pronged approach:
- Protect mental health by reducing work-related risk factors;
- Promote mental health by developing positive aspects of work and the strengths of employees; and
- Address mental health problems regardless of cause.
The guide highlights steps that organisations can take to create a healthy workplace, among them:
- Implementation and enforcement of health and safety policies and practices;
- Informing staff that support is available;
- Involving employees in decision-making, conveying a feeling of control and participation;
- Introducing organisational practices that support a healthy work-life balance;
- Initiating programmes for career development of employees; and
- Recognising and rewarding the contributions of employees.
Mental health support is essential for a worker’s complete recovery. Untreated issues like anxiety, depression, and more severe psychological problems can have devastating consequences. These conditions can not only destroy the individual’s life but also damage families and communities as they witness the extended suffering caused by mental health struggles.
Mental health support should be a fundamental component of occupational health and safety policies. This includes educating employees and their families about mental health and how to promote healing and recovery.
With World Mental Health Day in October, this month provides a heightened opportunity to raise awareness for occupational mental health fundamentals. However, this needs to be a consistent year-round focus that forms an integral part of employee wellness goals. Let’s get conversations going and mobilise increased support for mental health as central to the well-being of workers.
*National Library of Public Medicine (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3698814/)
** World Economic Forum (https://www.weforum.org/)
