The rail industry – from train and freight operators, to infrastructure managers and contractors, to rolling stock suppliers and leasing companies – together form a fundamental part of UK life. Society depends upon the people who work there, but they face some unique risk factors: long hours, shift working, risk of exposure to traumatic incidents, and workplace violence.
So, we asked the Rail Safety and Standards Board to share their recommendations on what helps. Their key message is clear: in rail, mental health and safety walk hand in hand. Workers must be supported in their wellbeing, allowing them to thrive at work.
Below, you’ll find the resources and advice they’ve chosen to get you started. Many are RSSB’s own publications, available when you register for their website – and if you work in rail and haven’t already done that, you should. There are plenty of ideas from other people too – and, put together, they’ll help you to make a start on the top four things RSSB recommend:
The Green Ribbon Campaign encourages organisations to invite their employees to wear a green ribbon during Mental Health Awareness Week and on other significant dates, to help end the stigma around mental health.
An independent review into how employers can better support all employees' mental health, including recommended core standards.
Employers have a legal duty to protect employees from stress at work by doing, and acting on, a risk assessment. This is an easy-to-use template you can use, along with examples from three small to medium-sized businesses.
Rail workers who witness a suicide or other traumatic event can suffer from PTSD. This resource contains information on recovering from a potentially traumatic incident and where to go for support.
Managing work when you are struggling with mental health difficulties can be hard. This guide covers what reasonable adjustments are, and how they impact the rail industry.
Mental health awareness training can empower managers to approach wellbeing more effectively. This resource aims to help those in the rail industry to understand mental health training and guide them to further support.
A wellbeing champion is somebody who acts as a listening ear for colleagues, outside of the line management structure. This guide contains everything rail organisations need to set up a champion programme.
