How Poor Psychological Safety Increases Physical Risks: Insights for Employees

Understanding the Connection Between Psychological Safety and Physical Risks

Recent research reveals a startling statistic: around 65% of employees believe that poor psychological safety is increasing physical safety risks in their workplaces. Although 96% of workers claim to feel safe at work, the findings from the Dräger Safety and Health at Work Report 2025 suggest a disconnect that demands our attention.

Psychological safety refers to the environment where individuals feel comfortable voicing their concerns, asking for help, and expressing their mental health struggles without fear of negative consequences. This safety is essential not just for mental well-being but also for physical safety, underscoring the need for comprehensive approaches to employee welfare in the workplace.

The Risks to Psychological Safety

According to the report, the primary factors undermining psychological safety include high workloads or time pressures (48%), personal stresses like financial issues (42%), and a lack of supportive leadership (30%). These factors create an environment where employees are hesitant to report potential hazards or seek assistance when they need it most.

Building a Culture of Safety Through Leadership

David Head, head of safety marketing at Dräger Safety UK, emphasizes that mental health and physical safety should be managed together. An alarming 80% of employees believe mental health plays a critical role in workplace safety; therefore, HR professionals must work closely with leadership to cultivate a culture of psychological safety.

One powerful strategy is for HR to partner with executives and managers to model vulnerability. This includes openly admitting mistakes, seeking feedback, and listening without defensiveness. Creating a space where employees can discuss their safety and health concerns freely can mitigate potential risks significantly.

Turning Mistakes Into Learning Opportunities

Henry Stewart, chief happiness officer at Happy, explains that leaders must reframe mistakes as learning opportunities rather than indicators of failure. This shift in perspective fosters an atmosphere where employees feel encouraged to engage in open dialogues about health and safety.

Training managers to approach situations with curiosity rather than judgment is essential to this process. By embracing constructive feedback and encouraging candid conversation, organizations can effectively enhance both psychological and physical safety.

Practical Insights for Employees and Employers

As employees, recognizing the importance of psychological safety can empower individuals to advocate for their well-being. Here are a few practical tips:

• Communicate Openly: Encourage a culture where questions about safety can be freely discussed.
• Seek Support: Utilize counseling services or employee assistance programs if in distress.
• Engage with Leadership: Share thoughts on how to improve workplace safety and mental health.

Employers, on the other hand, must prioritize developing supportive leadership that acknowledges its role in employee well-being. Instituting regular check-ins to discuss workload, stressors, and overall job satisfaction can create a safe space for employees to express concerns.

Moving Forward: Creating Safer Workplaces

The blending of psychological safety with physical safety opens new avenues for fostering a healthier work environment. By emphasizing mental health, HR and organizational leaders can enhance overall employee well-being. With 65% of employees indicating that psychological safety impacts their perception of workplace hazards, there is an urgent need for actions that promote both mental health and physical safety in workplaces.

As employees and organizations navigate these challenges, they must recognize the impact of mental health on physical safety. By working together to create supportive environments, we are not just enhancing individual well-being but also ensuring a safer work experience for everyone.

If you’re interested in fostering a culture of psychological safety at your workplace, consider reaching out to HR for initial discussions on how to make this a priority. Building an environment where both mental health and physical safety are valued is essential for creating a healthier future of work.