Act before it’s too late

BS 30480: Suicide and the Workplace is the first of its kind, packed with clear, practical steps for prevention, intervention and support for people affected by suicide. The standard provides guidance on the creation and maintenance of safe, supportive work environments where ‘people can thrive and survive in life and through crises’. It gives employers the tools to spot the signs, step in, and support staff before tragedy strikes.

Every year, around 720,000 people lose their lives to suicide worldwide. For employers, silence and uncertainty have too often defined their response, but BS 30480 shatters that silence. It offers a free-to-download framework which can be slotted into existing occupational health and safety management systems immediately.

It busts some myths and drills into real-life solutions:

• Understanding suicide and prevention
• Policy and ethical considerations
• Risk factors
• Support frameworks and what they might include
• Guidance to help managers spot warning signs and hold tough conversations
• Individual safety plans for those in crisis
• Support structures for colleagues affected by suicide.

It even covers handling sensitive communications, such as talking to families or the media after a workplace suicide.

IOSH is pleased to have contributed to the development of this standard with BSI and all other contributors. It is throwing its full support behind it.

Ruth Wilkinson, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at IOSH, said: “The standard has been written so that it aligns with the elements of our occupational health and safety management systems, making it easy to follow and implement within existing workplace management systems. Inclusion of these factors will help strengthen workplace policies and culture around suicide awareness and action. This in turn can help save lives and provide the right support when it is needed.

“This isn’t about everyone becoming a mental health professional or leaving it for others to make a difference. This is about tacking action and changing cultures, and it’s something we can all support – from employers, managers and as peers. Just asking ‘how are you?’ and listening without judgement and holding compassionate conversations can help break stigma and open a door to support. This standard equips managers with exactly that confidence and clarity.”

Developed with input from over 70 organisations – including Mind, Samaritans, MHFA England, Zero Suicide Alliance and IOSH – BS 30480 brings together lived experience, academic research, and workplace expertise. Mental health charities have hailed it as “an important step forward”.

IOSH stresses there’s no excuse not to act: the standard applies to organisations of all sectors and sizes, from SMEs to multinational corporations, public bodies to charities. It builds on IOSH’s own campaigning and is part of a wider push to prevent and manage psychosocial risks as work, to support mental health at work and to ensure psychologically safe workplaces.

Ruth added: “This matters now more than ever. According to the BSI, for every person lost to suicide, at least 135 people are impacted, including families, friends and colleagues. This means the impact of suicide is far reaching and makes workplace preparedness vital.

“BS 30480 is available to download for free from BSI now. IOSH urges every employer to act today – integrate this standard into management systems, policies, processes, training, leadership practices.”