december 2025
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Inside the December Issue |
Workplace Mental Health is Important
Mental health is an important component
of overall well-being and is equally as vital
as physical health for all employees. Mental
health concerns due to work have the
potential to adversely impact an employee's
social interactions, productivity,
performance, and absenteeism.
Stress affects people in a variety of
ways such as muscle tension, headaches,
stomach discomfort, high blood pressure,
and heart disease. Ignoring workplace
stress can have lasting harmful effects on
individuals, families, co-workers, and
communities.
Traumatic Events
Sometimes a shocking, scary, or dangerous
experience can be so intense that
it can have an emotional, cognitive, behavioral,
and physical impact on a person. Some examples of traumatic events that
can happen in workplaces are:
• Explosions or chemical releases;
• Building, crane, or other equipment collapses;
• Co-workers being injured or dying on
the job;
• Abuse or assault of a co-worker or
client.
It is normal to feel terrified during and
after a traumatic event. This is part of the
body’s “fight or flight” response to possible
danger. Traumatic events can happen
to workers in all industries.
After experiencing a traumatic event
people may:
• Feel anxious, sad, or angry;
• Have terrifying thoughts or flashbacks;
• Have recurring nightmares;
• Be confused or unable to clearly;
• Have a hard time falling and asleep;
• Frighten easily.
If these symptoms continue long after
the event or affect day-to-day life, they
can be signs of acute stress disorder, or
post-traumatic stress disorder. Both require
professional help to address.
Substance Use Disorder
Substance use disorder is a persistent
desire for substances even in the face of
negative consequences. Some people
come to rely on opioids, stimulants, alcohol,
or other substances even when the
substances cause harm. People may develop
a dependence on drugs, including
prescription medications, and alcohol for
many reasons, including the presence of
other mental health conditions, chronic
pain, or injuries. Regardless of the underlying
reason, substance use disorder can
be treated and controlled.
Suicide
Suicide can touch anyone, anywhere, at
any time. But it is not inevitable. Help is
available.
According to the CDC:
• More than 12 million adults seriously
think about suicide each year.
• More than 3 million adults make a plan
to commit suicide each year.
• More than 1 million adults attempt suicide
each year.
• More than 48,000 people die by suicide
in the United States each year. Full story »
today's News
Three-Quarters of Employers Improve Workplace Safety Scores Over Three Years
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The National Safety Council released the 2024-2025 MSD Solutions Index Pledge Community Report, highlighting efforts to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), the most common workplace injury. Now in its third year, the MSD Solutions Index shows steady progress in strengthening safety culture but calls for greater investment in risk reduction and innovation.
Mid-Oregon Construction Safety Summit, Tools to build safer, healthier construction sites
SALEM, OR -- A two-day training conference in Bend will offer safety and health training for workers in the residential, commercial, and industrial construction industries, as well as insights for employers about how to address hazards.
CHR Solutions Launches Drone Program to Accelerate and Improve Field Data Accuracy
HOUSTON, TX -- As organizations seek faster surveys, improved safety, and more accurate data, CHR Solutions, a provider of engineering, cybersecurity and software solutions for communications service providers (CSP), is meeting this growing demand with the launch of its enhanced drone-based data collection program.
Festive Fatigue: How Christmas Burnout Is Fueling Workplace Accidents
CARDIFF, UK -- As workplaces once again head into the busiest stretch of the year, research and trend insights suggest that “festive fatigue” continues to create a perfect storm of burnout, safety risks, and preventable workplace incidents.
Waupaca Foundry Recognized with AFS Safety and Insight Award
WAUPACA, WI -- Waupaca Foundry, Inc has been honored with the 2025 Safety & Insight Award from the American Foundry Society for its innovative material handling system upgrade at its Waupaca-based Plant 1.
