Utility Safety Podcast – Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health in Utility Safety with Mike Starner, CUSP

In this episode of the Utility Safety Podcast, host Kate Wade dives into the critical topic of mental health in the utility and construction industries. Joined by Mike Starner, Executive Director of Outside Line Safety for NECA, the discussion sheds light on the unique challenges utility workers face. From addressing the stigma around mental health to fostering supportive workplace cultures, the conversation provides actionable strategies to prioritize employee well-being and create safer job sites. Discover resources, insights, and programs like QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) and hear examples of how open dialogue can save lives and enhance teamwork.

 Listen now to explore how we can work together to make mental health a priority in the utility sector.

Key Takeaways:
1. Mental health is as vital as physical safety in utility work—prioritizing it can save lives.
2. The importance of fostering a culture where employees feel safe discussing mental health without stigma.
3. Practical strategies for employers, such as incorporating mental health topics into safety briefings and leveraging programs like QPR and EAP.
4. How financial stability, generational collaboration, and leadership involvement can positively impact mental health in the workforce.
5. The role of peer-to-peer support systems, like connectors on job sites, in creating a proactive mental health environment.

Mental Health Resources in the United States:
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 for immediate support.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://nami.org
• Mental Health America (MHA): https://mhanational.org
• Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP): https://preventconstructionsuicide.com

#UtilitySafety #MentalHealthAwareness #ConstructionWellness #WorkplaceSafety #LeadershipMatters

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