There are a number of reasons as to how and why occupational hygienists can, and should, support mental health in the work environment. One key reason is the intrinsic link between mental and physical health. As defined by the WHO, “mental health is a state of mental wellbeing that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community” (WHO, 2022). This classification puts mental health firmly within the definition of ‘health’ and emphasises the circular relationship between the two. As depicted in Figure 1, individual true wellbeing cannot occur without the presence of both mental and physical health.

Figure 1 – Without mental and physical health, there can be no true wellbeing.

When thinking of the workplace hazards that occupational hygienists encounter, these typically include dusts, metal working fluids, chemical, and noise exposure. However, the risk to health from these hazards, are not solely physical. For example, noise, or ‘unwanted sound’, is one of the most common occupational hazards; it is estimated that over two million employees in Great Britain exposed to unacceptable noise levels (HSE, 2021). Santos 2020, identified occupational noise exposure as a key risk factor for a poorer quality of life with multiple studies associating noise induced hearing loss with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression (Santos, 2020; Yu-Rim Jeong, 2012; Tahira A, 2022). A Japanese study found that perceived psychological disorders were significantly influenced by noise and increased with the level of exposure. This is further supported by the association between occupational noise annoyance and mental health including suicidal ideation (Yoon, 2014). According to The Health and Safety Executive, there are 11,000 cases of work-related hearing problems in the UK (HSE, 2022) and therefore 11,000 people with an increased risk of poor mental health due to a disability caused by the workplace. Although occupational hygiene traditionally aims to prevent physical ill-health in the work environment, such as noise induced hearing loss and occupational asthma, these illnesses can have psychological effects. Through assessments and the implementation, and evaluation, of control measures, hygienists inadvertently support positive mental health in the workplace.

One prime example of how occupational hygiene can directly influence mental health, is the selection of appropriate and adequate control measures. For instance, the incorrect selection of hearing protection and/ or respiratory protective equipment may lead to overprotection and consequently feelings of isolation due to communication difficulties. Isolation and feelings of loneliness which have been strongly associated with mental disorders (Meltzer, 2013). This presents another example as to how occupational hygiene can play an essential role in the prevention of poor mental health in the workplace. Prevention is at the core of the occupational hygiene discipline and the above study highlights how it can support mental wellbeing, thus breaking the chain between exposure to workplace hazards and poor mental health outcomes.

Preventing the physical ill-health that can affect mental health is not the only way in which occupational hygiene can support positive wellbeing. A vital part of being an occupational hygienist is listening to workers and understanding their concerns, particularly in an environment where production may often be the priority. Occupational hygiene can directly improve worker’s job satisfaction and feelings of value through demonstrating a care for their physical health. Studies have shown that employees who perceive their workplace as caring have lower odds of diagnosed depression and greater self-reported mental and physical health (D Weziak-Bialowolska, 2023). In a working environment where employees feel cared for, the likelihood for the resistance (Shipton H-J, 2006) to control measures advised by the hygienist will be reduced. This decreased resistance from workers, and increased compliance with wearing respiratory protective equipment, for example, will consequently reduce harmful exposures, and therefore, support wellbeing. Once again this reinforces the necessity for both mental and physical health to achieve true wellbeing. This emphasises the importance of occupational hygiene in not only positively impacting on workers physical health, but also the need to facilitate a ‘psychological climate for caring.’
Despite the above, the role of occupational hygiene in supporting positive mental health in the workplace is not yet fully understood. As per 4.1 of the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) code of ethics, faculty members must “only act within the scope of their competence”. There may be a plausible risk of hygienists working outside of their skillset and training, especially with the inherent complexity of mental health. This being said, there is scope for occupational hygienists to form part of the holistic approach to worker wellbeing. As per 2.7 of the BOHS code of ethics, occupational hygienists should “recognise and respect the role and expertise of other professionals and work in partnership to promote the most effective outcomes”. This demonstrates how occupational hygiene can, and should, work alongside other health professionals to optimise worker health. Although occupational hygienists may not directly assess and address mental health risks, they have an important part to play in championing holistic health. This could include giving hygienists the tools to signpost to mental health resources and escalate to professionals where appropriate, even when the mental stressors may not be caused by workplace hazards. There are clear benefits for the collaborative working between occupational hygienists, health care professionals and mental health specialists in tackling the growing workplace mental health crisis.

Why should the occupational hygiene profession be bound by the workplace hazards identified centuries ago? The world’s perception of health, and health risks, have evolved since Thomas Benson’s wet grinding patent in 1726 (Meiklejohn, 1963), and therefore so should occupational hygiene. It is reductionist to distinguish mental and physical health when it cannot be argued that the two are not intrinsically linked; health should not and cannot be restricted to the physical. As depicted, true wellbeing requires both physical and mental health, and hence assessment of workplace hazards cannot solely include the physical hazards such as light, noise and weld fume. Therefore, to best protect and promote worker health a holistic approach that encompasses both mental and physical health is paramount. An occupational hygienist can play a pivotal role as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team approach to employee wellbeing. With one in six workers dealing with a mental health problem (Mind, 2013), there is a definite need to increase mental health awareness, education, and training and this should form part of future occupational hygiene strategy. Primarily this should include how the physical work environment can have direct mental health impacts, whether these are biological or psychological. This strategy should incorporate training and awareness of how a poor physical working environment, and high-risk roles are recognised triggers for mental ill health; alongside the established biological triggers. One of the most important tools in a hygienist’s ‘mental health awareness kit’ should be the ability for mental wellbeing ‘signposting.’ This ought to involve guiding the employer, and or employee, to the appropriate local and national mental health resources, support, and clinical expertise, whilst still working within their scope of competencies.

This would directly tie in with The Chartered Society for Worker Health Protection’s definition of occupational hygiene, “as the discipline that helps to maintain worker wellbeing and safeguarding in the community”. All employees must be provided with a safe and healthy work environment.

Although the working environment can be a risk factor for worsening mental and physical health, it should also be an environment that can support positive wellbeing. An occupational hygienist must be aware of the inseparable link between physical and mental health. True worker wellbeing cannot be achieved, and maintained, with an awareness of only physical health. ‘It is not whether improving mental health in the workplace is part of the hygienist’s role, it is how the hygienist can become part of improving workplace mental health.’ In essence, by taking a more holistic approach to include the direct and in-direct effects of workplace hazards on employee mental health, occupational hygiene will form a crucial part of supporting positive mental wellbeing in the workplace.

References

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