Multi-disciplinary technical consultancy, MEC Consulting Group has achieved ISO certification for Psychological Health & Safety at Work.
The firm, which has offices in Leicester, Birmingham and Brighton, has passed ISO45003, which focuses on managing psychological health and safety in the workplace.
Recognised as the first global standard for guiding employers on mental health and wellbeing, ISO45003 provides a framework for identifying workplace conditions and demands with the potential to create psychosocial risks, and how to address these to ensure a supportive environment for employees.
“ISO45003 is a ‘bolt on’ to our existing 45001 accreditation for Occupational Health and Safety,” explains MEC’s managing director, Alex Bennett. “The team’s wellbeing and safety is our highest priority and we wanted to be proactive about monitoring this. ISO45003 ensures we not only have the correct procedures in place but are also being guided by a recognised process.
“I was particularly pleased to discover that many of the criteria needed to pass this accreditation were already inherent in our working practices, meaning we have a robust process that prioritises wellbeing and ensures any workplace risks are managed effectively,” adds Alex.
MEC’s new ISO certification follows on from the firm’s associate environmental consultant, Nathan Allen becoming an accredited counsellor and mental health first aider. Nathan said: “Sometimes people spend more time with work colleagues than family members so it’s important to know what support is available.
“As a trained workplace first aider, I provide stress and mental health awareness training to all line managers, helping them to identify potential triggers and warning signs, and also promote our Employee Assistance programme, which offers individual help and guidance.”
Alex continues: “It’s reassuring to know that our ‘wellbeing first’ approach pairs with ISO guidance and that we have the right people and policies in place to properly support our team. It’s also especially pertinent to have secured this certification during Stress Awareness Month, which runs throughout April and is an initiative we support annually.
“To mark this, Nathan is hosting specific training sessions on the causes and effects of stress, along with sharing a range of effective stress management tips, how to spot signs of those experiencing poor mental health, and where to find appropriate help.
“Following this year’s ‘Lead With Love’ theme, we are encouraging all staff to share hints and tips about what works best for them in terms of good mental health practice but also extending their kindness and gratitude for each other through email tokens of appreciation, that are being shared companywide.
“Throughout the year, we will then continue this alongside monthly coffee mornings to inspire conversation, lunchtime walks, wellbeing meals, and walking meetings wherever possible,” concludes Alex.
