FM firm first to be certified against mental health standard
EMCOR UK has become the first organisation globally to prove it prioritises its people and be certified against BSI’s new scheme, which is based on the International Standard ISO 45003:2021 Occupational health and safety management — Psychological health and safety at work — Guidelines for managing psychosocial risks.
The new International Standard, which was published earlier this year, provides guidelines on how to improve the psychological health, safety and wellbeing of workers. It underlines the importance of establishing a safe, supportive culture by identifying and tackling the work causes of poor psychological health and safety, thereby creating an environment that helps promote wellbeing.
The certification scheme, developed by BSI, will review the impact of an occupational health and safety management system and how it covers not only physical health and safety but also psychological health by managing psychosocial risks, which can give rise to physical, mental, cognitive and emotional harm.
Kate Field, Global Head of Health, Safety and Wellbeing at BSI, said:
“Mental ill health at work resulted in 38.8 million days lost in 2019/20 and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will only have exacerbated the issue. The health, safety and wellbeing of workers is of paramount importance when looking at the effectiveness, efficiency and long-term resilience of organisations.
“ISO 45003 supports organisations to understand the issues, develop new, organisational level approaches and proactively manage the risks in the short- and longer-term. Supporting psychological health and safety at work has never been more important with stress, burnout, anxiety and depression costing economies billions from reduced productivity, long-term sickness absence and its related costs.”
Keith Chanter, CEO of EMCOR UK, said:
“We are delighted to be the first organisation globally to have been certified against this highly relevant psychological health and safety scheme as it demonstrates our absolute commitment to building an organisational culture that fosters a safe and positive working environment in which all our colleagues can thrive. Our purpose is to create a better world at work and a key element is our responsibility, as employers, to protect and promote the physical and psychological health of our colleagues.”
Hannah Clark, Client Manager for BSI said:
“One of the really positive things about this job is being able to work closely with clients where the passion for the subject matter shines. This was very much the case with EMCOR UK and their approach to psychosocial risk management. The audit demonstrated an effective and systematic approach to the management of psychosocial risk, with feedback received from the staff highlighting the presence of a supportive, inclusive environment where staff can not only grow and develop, but also feel safe in discussing their personal and professional issues.”
Kate Field added:
“EMCOR UK deserve huge congratulations in becoming the first organisation in the world to be certified to BSI’s psychological health and safety at work scheme, proving they prioritise their people. It is vital for organisations to take a proactive, top-down approach to support the health, safety and overall wellbeing of staff and we hope their achievement encourages others to do the same.”
For more information on ISO 45003: Occupational health and safety management — Psychological health and safety at work — Guidelines for managing psychosocial risks visit the BSI website.
International Workplace's newest IOSH course on Occupational Health and Wellbeing talks in detail about the psychosocial work environment, including the attitudes, values, beliefs and daily practices that affect the mental and physical wellbeing of workers. For more information visit IOSH Managing Occupational Health and Wellbeing Course.
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