The nuclear fuel fabrication services provider trains volunteers, including managers, union representatives and frontline workers, to become workplace listeners to whom staff suffering from stress can go for confidential advice.
On-site counselling is provided if needed.
Derek McMillan, site behavioural safety co-ordinator at Springfields Fuels, says: “The listeners are like a sticking plaster: they are the first port of call for employees to have a chat in confidence.”
Other initiatives include a working group comprising union representatives, employees involved in health and safety, management, HR staff and occupational health advisers to examine the impact of shift working on employees’ wellbeing.
Benefits include physiotherapy and annual medical checks for all staff. A nurse is available during working hours and a doctor visits once a week.
Springfields’ strategy has resulted in a significant fall in the number of staff absences due to accidents.
