Poor mental health among workers is creating growing safety concerns in workplaces across Barbados.
That warning came from Chair of the National Mental Health Commission in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dr Maisha Emmanuel, on the global commemoration of World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2026 on April 28.
She said stress, anxiety and depression were affecting how employees functioned on the job.
“Stress, anxiety and depression reduce concentration, slow reaction times, impaired judgement and decreased situational awareness, all factors which can lead to workplace accidents and injuries. “
Emmanuel added that workers facing mental health challenges were “at a greater risk of making errors, having accidents and being unable to respond effectively to emergencies”.
“Too many Barbarian workers are struggling with excessive workloads, long hours, workplace bullying, lack of support and job insecurity. These psychosocial hazards are as real and dangerous as any physical hazard and they must be addressed with the same seriousness and urgency.”
The mental health official said employers needed to take more deliberate action to address these risks, including assessing workplace conditions and implementing systems to support staff.
She also encouraged workers to take responsibility for their own wellbeing, urging them to “speak up about workplace stresses, set healthy boundaries, take regular breaks” and seek help early, where necessary.
Emmanuel maintained that addressing mental health was critical to overall workplace safety, adding that “a safe workplace protects both physical and mental health”.
