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Suicide Prevention Awareness on National Highways Toolbox Talk: Supporting Mental Wellbeing and Saving Lives
The Suicide Prevention Awareness on National Highways Toolbox Talk provides essential guidance on recognising, responding to, and supporting individuals at risk of suicide in highways and construction environments. Developed in line with Raising the Bar 41 (RTB41), this document follows UK legislation such as the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and HSE guidance on work-related stress and mental health. It helps businesses promote mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and implement supportive interventions that can save lives.
Mental health challenges, including suicidal thoughts, are prevalent within the construction and highways sectors, where long hours, high-pressure environments, and job uncertainty can contribute to mental distress. This toolbox talk focuses on proactive suicide prevention strategies, including:
The document underscores the importance of compassionate communication and encourages workers to adopt the ASK-LISTEN-SUPPORT approach when concerned about a colleague. This involves asking direct questions, actively listening, and guiding the individual toward professional support.
In line with Raising the Bar 41, the toolbox talk also highlights the responsibility of employers to foster a supportive work culture, including:
Simplifying Toolbox Talk Creation with Our Online Generator
Our online document generator makes it easy to create customised toolbox talks like this one. By entering site-specific details, you can generate a professional, compliant document in minutes—helping your business maintain consistent, high-quality safety communication across all highways projects.
Useful Resources and Links
Traffic Signs Manual – Chapter 8: Traffic Safety Measures and Signs for Road Works and Temporary Situations:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-signs-manual
Safety at Street Works and Road Works (The Red Book):
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/safety-at-street-works-and-road-works
HSE Guidance on Work-Related Stress and Mental Health:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/index.htm