ASIST: A Lifesaving Tool for Employers in Creating a Safer Workplace

In today’s workplace landscape, ensuring employee wellbeing and safety is a fundamental duty of every responsible employer. This commitment extends beyond physical health and safety to encompass mental health and emotional well-being. Suicide, a pressing global concern, affects people of all ages and regions, making it essential for employers to address this issue in a comprehensive manner. One invaluable tool in reducing the risk of suicide in the community, including the workplace, is Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST). In this article, we will explore the significance and advantages of integrating ASIST training into your organisation’s health and safety framework.

Identifying Hazards and Mitigating Risk

Under health and safety legislation, employers are obligated to identify hazards and assess risks to provide a safe workplace. This duty includes the proactive recognition and mitigation of mental health risks, including suicide. Employers should take a proactive approach to creating a supportive environment and developing policies and procedures for addressing mental health concerns, including suicide.

ASIST as a Solution

ASIST provides a structured and hands-on approach to suicide intervention, equipping individuals to recognise and respond to warning signs and risk factors for suicide. The program offers practical skills and strategies to intervene effectively, aligning with the duty to mitigate mental health risks. By fostering an understanding of the complexities of suicidal behaviour, ASIST empowers participants to navigate these challenges while providing the vital support needed.

Qualified Trainers for Your Workforce

ASIST training is administered by qualified and experienced trainers with a deep understanding of suicide prevention and intervention. These trainers utilise a blend of classroom instruction, group discussions, and experiential learning activities to facilitate skill development and build participants’ confidence. Employers can ensure that members of their organisation receive high-quality training, thereby fulfilling their duty of care.

Diverse Participants, Comprehensive Support

ASIST is inclusive, welcoming participants from various professional backgrounds, including social workers, healthcare professionals, and emergency responders. Its applicability extends to educational institutions, community organisations, and corporate workplaces. By developing skills in active listening, risk assessment, rapport building, and collaboration with other stakeholders, participants become valuable assets in providing coordinated support and care.

Creating a Safer Workplace

ASIST’s primary benefit is its life-saving potential. By intervening effectively and offering support to individuals at risk of suicide, participants play a pivotal role in preventing suicides and fostering mental well-being. In addition to saving lives, ASIST also enhances empathy and understanding, contributing to a more compassionate and supportive workplace culture. This creates a safer environment that aligns with the duty to provide a secure and healthy workplace under health and safety legislation.

The Bottom Line

ASIST suicide intervention training is not merely an option; it is a powerful tool for creating a safer and more supportive workplace. By empowering your workforce with the knowledge and skills provided by ASIST, employers fulfil their obligations under health and safety legislation. Moreover, they invest in the wellbeing of their employees, fostering a culture of compassion and support. ASIST training is a lifeline, a tool to save lives, and a cornerstone for creating a safer, more empathetic, and well-supported workplace.

Author Teresa Coffey