Counting the emotional cost of incidents

You may have continuity plans in place to ensure financial and communications systems perform during or after a crisis, but what about the human aspect?

One advice line consultant at employee support provider CiC, recalls the aftermath of an incident when a crane crashed through scaffolding, leaving several workers stranded and unsure whether the crane’s driver was still alive: ‘The workers started calling us for counselling and many were shocked to find that following the incident they’d become extremely worried about those closest to them. The trauma had really affected their sense of security.’

Post-event investigations carried out internally or by the HSE can also affect staff as emotions of guilt or blame start to take hold.

CiC helps firms plan for the effects of traumatic events and also runs a 24-hour advice line offering practical and emotional support to management and employees if an incident occurs.

‘Accidents or fatalities on site can really hit workers hard, perhaps causing trauma, stress, depression or feelings of alienation,’ says the company’s clinical director Libby Payne. ‘And because it’s a very macho, male-dominated industry, many experience denial – there may be a delayed emotional response or they may adopt inappropriate coping mechanisms like drinking heavily or taking things out on those closest to them.’