The Georgia Mental Health Alliance proudly presents information for all industries to use during May 2024, which is Mental Health Awareness Month. Employers across the state are invited to join the "Nurture the Mental Health of Georgia Workers" Safey Stand Down anytime during the month of May by stopping all work for a safety meeting focused on the importance of workers caring for their mental health and supporting co-workers’ well-being. Below are tools from various sources that you can use to prepare a Safety Stand Down for your workplace or to use privately as needed. To learn more about the Georgia Mental Health Alliance, including its vision and mission statement, click here.  


To REGISTER your organization's participation in the Mental Health Stand Down, please
CLICK HERE to complete our registration form. 


 

Below is a sample of a office/worksite banner that is available to any firm/organization that wants to showcase their support for Mental Health Safety Stand Down. To order your personalized banner(s), please connect with Brandit in Marietta by emailing at contactus@brandit.net or calling 800-905-8851. 

**This graphic can also be used by your organization on your social media channels to show support for the Mental Health Safety Stand Down. 
  • Some of the local Mental Health Speaker/Trainers (in-person & virtual) available in Georgia. (View List)


 

Resources from OSHA

  • Workplace Stress - Outreach Materials (Link)
    • Support One Another Toolkit  (English) (Spanish
      • Provides tips on creating a workplace culture that supports mental health. 
    • Support Your Co-Worker poster (Link)
      • Provides concrete tips that people can use to support their co-workers, offering suggestions on how to be respectful when broaching stress and mental health topics, how to listen compassionately, how to determine if more assistance is needed, and how to follow up on concerns.

       

Resources National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

  • 2024 NAMI Workplace Mental Health Poll (Link)
  • StigmaFree Workplace Initiative (Link)

 

Resources from AGC of America

  • Mental Health & Suicide Prevention (Link)
    • Series of four videos from real industry professionals who have struggled with mental health (Link to first of four videos)          
      • The hope for those who are spotlighted in these videos is that in sharing their stories, others will know they are not alone, and it is okay to seek help when it is needed. These videos are part of the association’s ongoing efforts to combat high suicide rates and improve mental health among the industry’s workers. 
    • Mental Health for the Construction Industry (Link)
      • Based on the 12-pack of Toolbox Talks developed by AGC of Missouri and Washington University in St. Louis.

 

Resources from CPWR, The Center for Construction Research and Training

  • Training Materials for Building Resilience (Link)
    • This training tool includes nine activities that guide discussions with construction workers about substance use, suicide, and mental and physical wellbeing. These field-tested training activities are designed for groups of 8-10 apprentices or journey-level workers and can be completed in 30 minutes to an hour. The workbook includes detailed facilitation instructions and an introductory slide set.   

Resources from American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) - Georgia Chapter

  • www.afsp.org/georgia --- Local Contact: Chelsea Piatt   (470.514.7667)
  • Sampling of Program and Training Offerings  - Click here for program descriptions. Most programs can be delivered free of charge. 
    • Programming for Middle or High Schoolers and/or College Students 
    • Parents/Educators - More than Sad
    • General Suicide Prevention for 18+   Talking Saves Lives
      • This programming can be delivered in a traditional workplace setting or on a construction site or to first reponders
    • The programming called LETS Save Lives - delivered by and for African American population
    • The programming called Talk Saves Lives - delivered by and for Latinx population
  • For Loss Survivors: Healing Conversations
  • Other Resources
  • Volunteer opportunities are available 

Resources from Mental Health America

  • Mental Health Month Toolkit (Link)
    • This toolkit provides free resources to help plan your efforts and raise awareness during the month of May and beyond. It has DIY tools, social media assets, resources, templates, printable handouts, and more!  

Resources from AgriSafe Network

 

Resources from Right Direction

  • Right Direction for Me (Link
  • Employer Mental Health Start-Up Kit (Link)
  • How to Make Every Month Mental Health Month (Video Link)

 

Resources from Action for Happiness

  • Take action | Action for Happiness (Link
  • 10 Days of Happiness (Link)
    • This is a free online program to boost your wellbeing, through daily actions for happier living. It is designed for challenging times, based on the latest research from positive psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral science. And it takes just a few minutes each day!
  • Get Monthly Calendar Updates by Joining Action for Happiness (Link)
    • Do you want to help create a happier and kinder world? If so, please join our movement, add your pledge and we’ll send you practical action ideas to make a difference.
  • Talks: Discover more from leading experts (Link
    • Inspiring talks from leading thinkers on all aspects of living happier lives.

Resources from various additional sources

  • Man Therapy (includes adult language) (Link) - site can be viewed in English and Spanish
    • It's OK to cry, even when it's not about sports
  • Center for Workplace Mental Health (Link)




What is a Stand Down?

Companies who know the value of safety training use a Safety Stand Down to stop all work and provide a focused safety meeting on one particular topic. These types of meetings provide effective communication of safety policies, goals and expectations through all levels of a team. 

OSHA believes there is tremendous value in committing 30 minutes to one hour of your day's work to talk about safety, leading to increased employee safety morale. Stopping work to talk about safety brings it to the forefront of everyone's mind! 

How to Conduct a Safety Stand Down 
Companies can conduct a Safety Stand Down by taking a break to have a toolbox talk or another safety activity such as conducting safety equipment inspections, developing rescue plans, or discussing job specific hazards.  Managers are encouraged to plan a stand down that works best for their workplace.

Who can participate?
Participants may include employer's trade associations, federal, state and local governmental agencies, professional societies, institutes, and consumer/labor-management interest organizations, sub-and independent contractors.

AGC Georgia members are encourged to share their participation photos
If you want to share information on your Safety Stand Down or suggestions on how we can improve future initiatives like this, please send your email to abercrombie@agcga.org.  Don't forget photos from your worksites!