What You Need To Know
Mental well-being and workplace safety go hand in hand. Stress from life outside work can affect focus, reaction time and decision making. In safety-sensitive environments, that stress can increase the risk of accidents. That’s why taking care of your mental health is an essential part of staying safe on the job.
The Connection Between Mental Health and Safety
Mental health plays a critical role in how we stay safe — both on the job and in our everyday lives. When stress, anxiety or fatigue builds up, it can affect how we think, react and make decisions. That impact doesn’t stop when the workday ends; challenges at home can follow us to work, just as work-related stress can affect well-being outside of work.
When your mind is overloaded, you may notice:
- Difficulty concentrating or staying alert
- Slower reaction times or lapses in judgment
- Feeling overwhelmed or distracted
- Trouble sleeping or increased irritability
In safety-sensitive environments, even small distractions can increase the risk of incidents or injuries. Recognizing these signs early and taking steps to address them can help reduce risk and keep everyone safer. By prioritizing mental well-being and using available Republic Services support resources, you can help protect yourself, your coworkers, your family and the communities we serve.
Resources Available for Support
If something outside of work is weighing on you, you don’t have to handle it alone. Republic Services offers several forms of support.
Support Through Your Republic Services Medical Plan
Enrolled in a Republic Services medical plan? In-person and virtual mental health services are available to support your emotional well-being and overall health. To get started, visit the UHC member website to search for an in-network provider, or call 800.980.7507.\
Support Through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The Republic Services EAP provides free and confidential support to you and your household members. The EAP can help with:
- Stress, anxiety and emotional well-being
- Family and relationship concerns
- Financial and legal challenges
- Work life balance and everyday life stressors
You receive up to three one-on-one counseling sessions per family member, per issue, per year at no cost to you. Using the EAP is a proactive step toward staying focused, present and safe. Reaching out for support is not a sign of weakness. It’s a smart and responsible way to take care of yourself and those around you.
To get started, call 800.331.3684 or visit ComPsych GuidanceResources. If you’re a first-time user, you’ll need to include the organization web ID “REPUBLIC” to create your username and password.
