RAIL MENTAL WELL-BEING SURVEY LAUNCHED

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: september 2020 :: RMTnews 19 Working in the rail industry can be immensely rewarding, but also comes with challenges. RSSB knows that many staff experience violence at work, are exposed to fatalities and other traumatic events, along with antisocial working hours and demanding environmental conditions. In partnership with the University of Surrey, RSSB is undertaking a cross-industry workforce mental health survey to examine working conditions and the prevalence of mental ill-health. This survey is the first of its kind. Currently there is no validated industry-specific data that indicates how common mental ill-health is in the workforce or the relationship with workplace psychological hazards. This data is key to inform the industry’s health and wellbeing strategy, allowing for targeted interventions to support those most at risk. Awareness of hazards which present the greatest risk will allow companies to prioritise the prevention of exposure where possible. Where prevention is not possible, the data will support investment in appropriate controls. The data will provide a baseline for industry, allowing us to assess the effectiveness of industry initiatives. Completing the survey gives you the chance to tell us about your mental wellbeing and experiences at work, including the impact of Covid- 19, enabling us to understand how the industry can support staff better. It takes about 15 minutes to fill it in. The results will be used to make improvements to the management of mental wellbeing and psychosocial hazards across the rail industry. The survey is anonymous, and no personal data linking you to your answers will be collected. The RSSB is an independent not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, which was established in 2003 upon the recommendation of the public inquiry into the Ladbroke Grove rail crash. The survey is now open until December 23. You can complete the survey online at https://surreyfahs.eu.qualtrics.c om/jfe/form/SV_9XivVXrt1jxLL G5 When you click on the link you will be given more information about the survey and your rights as a respondent. If you have any questions about the survey, please get in contact with RSSB by emailing michelle.o’sullivan@rssb.co.uk. The Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) launch industry-wide mental wellbeing survey to understand mental ill- health and the impact that Covid-19 RAIL MENTAL WELL-BEING SURVEY LAUNCHED ON THE FRONT LINE: CCTV captures the moment when a railworker intervenes in a suicide attempt