The HSE has published statistics that cover work-related ill health, non-fatal workplace injuries and enforcement action taken by HSE, in the 2020/21 period.
- 1.7 million workers suffering from a work-related illness, roughly half of which were stress, depression or anxiety.
Two new estimates have been developed to measure the impact of the coronavirus pandemic:
- 93,000 workers self-reported catching COVID-19 at work; 52,000 of these worked in the human health and social work sector
- 645,000 workers reported that their work-related illness was caused or made worse by the coronavirus pandemic; 70% of these were cases of stress, depression or anxiety.
What might be the relationship between these factors and work-related road safety? What we do know is that wellbeing affects driver safety, through its impact on driver behaviour. In turn, the pressures experienced by those who spend much of their working lives out on the road can have knock-on effects on drivers’ physical and mental wellbeing.
How can fleets approach the problem of employee wellbeing in a proactive, effective manner? There are many options. Creating a culture of safety consciousness that encourages openness, and one in which employees’ mental wellbeing is taken seriously and appropriate support is provided, is an excellent start.
For drivers in particular, fleets can provide driver training. Proper driver training and education could help reduce the stress that comes with driving for work. There are lots of options available to fleets to deploy training to drivers – get in touch if you’d like to find out how your business can benefit.
For some insight into the dangers of mental health issues in drivers, as well as excellent, practical advice about what employers can do to help keep their people safe and well, read our latest Whitepaper: Driving for Work – The Importance of Wellbeing.
