Identifying and Responding to At-Risk Employees

Introduction

Just as we learn first aid to help someone with a bodily injury, we can also learn how to recognize and respond to someone who may be suicidal. Although this is a skill everyone in your workplace should be familiar with and have the opportunity to practice, management should engage in additional training as they are typically in a better position to intervene. Inappropriately handling a mental health or suicide crisis can lead to serious harm; however, managers who are trained in suicide crisis identification and intervention can mitigate this risk and may even save a life. SAVE has developed the following guide to assist in quick decision making and provide appropriate responses to someone who is experiencing a mental health or suicide-related crisis at work. This tool is meant to be used in addition to a basic suicide prevention training and intended to be used as general guidance. Existing company policy and protocols for crisis intervention may contradict the guidance in these documents. Consult with the appropriate departments before implementation.  

Lesson Content 

The guide below is meant to be utilized after management has received an initial training on how to help someone who has expressed suicidal thoughts or feelings. It includes warning signs specific to the workplace, levels of crisis, and tips on what to say and do to help someone through a crisis. This tool is meant to be used a guidance. Every situation is unique and may require another an action or referral to a service outside of what is indicated in this document. This tool is best suited for employees who have already undergone “Ask, Listen, Respond, and Follow Up” training, and should be easily accessible to employees for their reference.