Develop a national psychological health workplace standard
Recommendation
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) should develop a national standard on psychological health and safety in the workplace — similar to physical health and safety standards — to help organizations achieve measurable improvement in the psychological health of employees.[1]
Background/summary
OSHA has established workplace standards that employers must follow to protect employees from physical hazards that could result in illness or injury.[2] In addition to physical workplace standards, the agency should take steps to improve the psychological health of employees.[1] According to OSHA, workplace stress can negatively impact job performance and productivity, with 80 percent of U.S. workers reporting job-related stress.[3] Stress is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which directly affects employee physical health.[3] It can also increase an employee’s risk of developing mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.[3] A national psychological health workplace standard is essential to improve the health of employees nationwide.[1]
citations
1. The Kennedy Forum. Navigating The New Frontier of Mental Health and Addiction: A Guide for the 115th Congress. Last Updated June 2017.
2. Society for Human Resource Management. What are OSHA standards? Last Accessed July 27, 2023.
3. U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Workplace Stress: Understanding the Problem. Last Accessed July 27, 2023.