Provide support for workers

There can be a “significant impact” on workers who are directly involved and those who witness an incident, says the HSE, and it can affect their mental and physical health.

Employers should:

• consider changing a person’s job role or working conditions if they are particularly affected by the incident;

• provide sensitive and appropriate support, such as offering them a chance to talk openly about the incident as soon as possible;

• offer confidential counselling if the organisation provides this, or provide the details of local counselling services, or charities such as Victim Support (www.victimsupport.org.uk); and

• ensure the workers dealing with post-incident situations are fully trained and know how to support their colleagues.