Issue link: https://fhpublishing.uberflip.com/i/1173186
HEALTH & SAFET Y A ccording to the Mental Health Foundation, mental health problems are the leading cause of sickness absence in the workplace. The organisa- tion estimates that a staggering 70 million work days are lost each year due to mental health problems in the UK, costing employers approximately £2.4 billion per year. Fear of stigma and discrimina - tion can o-en leave employees reluctant to openly discuss mental health concerns. The energy sector, in particular, remains a male- dominated environment, with a perceived machismo that can be unhelpful when it comes to tackling the stigma around mental health and wellbeing. "Men traditionally find it more difficult to be open about their feelings and admitting to a mental health issue can be seen as a weak - Safeguarding mental health Promoting physical safety has become critically important across the sector, with many organisations priding themselves on a zero-tolerance approach to hazards in the workplace. But while there is a clear spotlight on employees' physical health, is there sufficient focus on tackling mental ill health across the industry? And how can networks improve their approach to the issue? Nadine Buddoo reports. NETWORK / 22 / OCTOBER 2019 positive wellbeing culture and help to break down those barriers." For SGN, helping to overcome those barriers has involved setting up a wellbeing team dedicated to improving mental health aware - ness and wellbeing across the workforce. The company has also issued mental health hints and tips cards to all employees, as well as launching a blog on its internal news channel which has allowed staff to open up about their own experiences. ness," explains Tamsin Morgan senior business partner for safety assurance at SGN. "It's also easier to deal with physical problems, like when a colleague needs a plaster on their arm or has an ankle injury – but problems we can't see tend to unsettle people. "Until recently, mental health was rarely talked about but, with so much awareness being raised in the media right now, the stigma is starting to diminish. This is the ideal time for us to create a more