Health and Safety

HEALTH AND SAFETY Supporting each other

Iwant to talk about a sensitive subject – mental wellbeing. In the past few months, I am aware of five people who have committed suicide. These were people in their early 20s to mid-30s, just beginning their lives. I’m fortunate in that none of them were family or close friends. But they were all family and friends of people I know and care about, and I feel their devastation. One of the questions is always, “What could I have done…?”

It can be challenging identifying when a person is struggling to such an extent that they see the only way to stop the pain is to end their lives. Sometimes, that person might say they are considering suicide. If we do see or hear that, many of us don’t know what to do in case we make it worse. We believe we should leave it for the professionals but don’t know how to contact help.

The first step comes with noticing that someone isn’t themselves; they may have become isolated, moody, don’t appear to be coping, have weight gains or losses, or they may About Tracey Murphy be using drugs or alcohol. Talk to the person, say that they Tracey Murphy is the owner and director of Safewise, don’t seem to be themselves lately, ask if you can talk with a health and safety consultancy. She has more than 12 years experience working with organisations from many different industries. Tracey

How can Safewise help? holds a diploma in health and safety management and a graduate

Safewise works with organisations that diploma in occupational safety need more health and safety knowledge and health. She is a professional – or more time – than they have in-house. member of the New Zealand Institute

For more information, check the website, of Safety Management and is on the safewise.co.nz. HASANZ register.

them. Take them out of their environment to talk – a cup of coffee or a walk in the park. The important thing is to let them know that you care and that there is help for them; let them know that they are valuable in your life and the lives of It can be challenging identifying others. Helping the person feel less alone could support them in making when a person is struggling to better decisions. such an extent that they see the If their lives are in immediate danger, you need to act quickly and only way to stop the pain is to end call the police. They will manage their lives. the situation for you. There is more information about the different ways that a person at risk may present, how you can support them and the help available to them. The Ministry of Health website has excellent resources on suicide prevention. 

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Danielle L. Beston

Barrister At Law

Transport Specialist Work Licences Nationwide Road User Charges

Log Book & Driving Hours

Contributor to New Zealand Trucking ‘LegalLines’ Column

Telephone: 64 9 379 7658 mobile: 021 326 642 danielle.beston@hobsonchambers.co.nz