Have you ever thought about the toll working in confined spaces can take on one’s mental health? Perhaps being claustrophobic could hinder working safely in confined spaces? Maybe a mental health issue could develop suddenly, even without a history of past issues, and that too at the least opportune moment in a confined space?
Although rarely considered, the sudden development of a deleterious mental state can occur even when in a narrow work area. These sudden developments can take place as rapidly as another hazard in a confined space, whether it is a biological hazard or a physical one, such as fire, explosion, etc.
Act First Safety offers certified courses and training programs that prioritize worker safety in Ontario. As veterans of the field, we know that working in narrow spots and tight spaces is not without its dangers. However, awareness and proper training can help combat these dangers and that is what we will discuss in today’s blog.
What is the definition of mental health?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), poor mental health affects life expectancy by as much as 10 to 20 years. In addition, a mental health condition increases the risk of suicide and other forms of self-harm.
A mental health condition is defined by the WHO as a mental disorder and psychosocial disabilities, as well as other mental states associated with significant distress, impairment in functioning, or risk of self-harm.
For example, a person suffering from this type of disorder might experience several difficulties in various domains of daily life, such as work, school, and relationships, which can lead to many other physical health issues, such as eating disorder-related illnesses and more.
With reference to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), people who have been diagnosed with mental health issues would be classified as a psychosocial hazard in the workplace.
Despite regulations in place, psychosocial hazards are often overlooked in the workplace, possibly because they are not as visible and tangible as other forms of hazards, like physical hazards.
That is why psychosocial hazards are often not addressed properly or even highly recognizable by those responsible for OHS onsite, like the Joint Health and Safety Committee’s elected members.
Real-life scenario in a confined space
The feasibility of a mental health event occurring within a confined space is very high.
I know this to be true, as a participant in a confined space training class recently shared their experience with me.
A veteran in their field, they had been entering the same confined space for over a decade. One day, they simply froze at the midpoint of the horizontal route of their usual work area, thus stunning co-workers, as there was no explanation of the sudden onset of such behavior. Their co-workers were eventually able to coax them out of that space after nearly an hour. It turned out that they believed they let their lack of sleep and content consumption the night before, along with their vivid imagination, get the better of their cognitive function that day, thus creating this rather unfortunate scenario. The next day, after an investigation and with assistance from their employer, the worker resumed their regular activities in the confined space without experiencing a relapse.
This incident alone emphasizes the importance of mental health support from employers, management, supervisors, and co-workers in a workplace – especially during crisis situations. While this may seem like a one-off episode, the fact that the worker was able to continue working in confined spaces after the intervention and support from their colleagues shows just how critical it is to have a system in place, such as JHSC, which is easy to form after proper JHSC training.
Confined space: definition and safety hazards
In accordance with OHSA O.Reg 632/05, “Confined space” means a fully or partially enclosed space that is:
a. not designed and constructed for continuous human use and occupancy, and
b. in which hazards are likely to occur because of the way the space has been built or its location, or contents, or because of the type of tasks it demands.
Examples of confined spaces may include:
- Tunnels
- Manholes
- Wells
- Vaults
- Process Vessels
- Storage Bins and Tanks
- Crawl Spaces
- Sewers
- Pits and Sumps
The categories of hazards within confined spaces may be classified as:
- Safety
- Physical
- Ergonomic
- Chemical
- Biological
- Process
- Psychosocial
These hazards will be explored more thoroughly in an upcoming article.
What is the impact of working in confined spaces on mental health?
Working in confined spaces introduces many difficult psychological challenges that can adversely impact workers’ health and job performance. These narrow environments limit movement, lack oxygen, and have poor visibility.
Moreover, they are recognized as high-pressure working environments, thus creating an opportunity for mistakes to occur. Those employed in such high-stress environments should always be vigilant about the safety hazards around them and the health of their co-workers.
When it comes to mental health, this includes recognizing signs of personal struggles and being aware of coworkers who may be facing mental challenges, and understanding how these situations may impact the team.
Working in confined spaces is unique, and our reactions to moments of crisis in such situations should not be mainstream. Being diligent about the effects of working in such spaces should remain at the forefront of your safety observations, both on a personal level and on a team level.
It is critical to mention here that according to the National Library of Medicine, prolonged exposure to stress can contribute to anxiety disorders, making it difficult to focus and perform tasks efficiently. The stress of working in confined spaces may contribute to these challenges.
Workers may experience feelings of intense fear, claustrophobia from continuous exposure to enclosed spaces, with symptoms of increased heartbeat, dizziness, and excessive sweating. Furthermore, restricted air circulation, limited lighting, and prolonged isolation can impair cognitive functions.
Workers may struggle with concentration, memory recall, and decision-making, increasing the risk of errors. In addition, many confined space tasks require workers to work alone or with minimal human interaction. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness to a greater extent, which eventually cause risks of depression and mental agony. All of these conditions may adversely impact their job performance.
As per a recent report, a maintenance worker once admitted that the hardest part of confined space work wasn’t the physical task at hand, but the silence. After just twenty minutes inside, the isolation made him feel uneasy and distracted. Only later did he realize how much mental pressure the environment created.
Although the effects of working in enclosed environments are evident, how they are addressed and managed by employers is critical. Ignoring their psychological impact can result in decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and a higher chance of workplace incidents. It is expected that employers must recognize and take care of these mental health risks and support workers in managing them. By addressing these challenges and providing proper support, a healthier and safer workplace can be created.
One of the best ways to do that is to enroll select members of your team for JHSC training so your organization is better equipped to form a safety committee that is committed to ensuring the welfare of your employees.
Why is it important to be aware of confined spaces before working?
As we know, working in confined spaces is very different and complicated compared to normal working environments. This makes awareness of the environment itself and the challenges it brings critical before work begins.
For example, a worker who doesn’t realize that claustrophobia can cause sudden panic may find themselves disoriented, struggling to breathe, or even attempting to rush out in a way that puts them and others at risk.
Similarly, a worker who is not briefed about the atmosphere inside may not recognize the early warning signs of oxygen deficiency or dizziness caused by gases, thus facing the risk of sudden collapse.
In short, awareness prevents surprises. It allows workers to mentally prepare, supervisors to assign the right people to the job, and teams to build the trust needed to keep each other safe.
"Awareness is not just knowledge; it is the foundation for safe work and a healthier mindset.”
How does training help mitigate fear and safety concerns?
One of the proactive measures to address the challenges of working in confined spaces is providing proper safety training to workers. Not only does training equip them with useful knowledge, it also enables them to cope better with the challenges they may face when carrying out critical tasks in enclosed areas.
Confined space training can help mitigate harm in the following ways:
Builds hazard awareness
It ensures the workers are aware of both the physical and psychological dangers before entry and helps in identifying potential risks like oxygen deficiency, the presence of toxic gases, and the stress of enclosed spaces.
Prepares workers mentally
By discussing the possible scenarios during training, workers can gain confidence and reduce fear and anxiety, which will also help them to better understand their limits and cope better in case a crisis strikes.
Helps to develop Emergency Response Skills
By teaching practical emergency procedures and by highlighting well-defined roles to workers, training can inspire confidence. Enrolled workers will be taught to be more resourceful and calm during emergencies with strong practical skills backing them up. This will reduce the chance of panic, confusion, or unsafe decisions when something goes wrong.
Promotes team communication
Training will help workers understand their roles in confined spaces – both inside and outside of it – as well as educate them on the importance of working together as a team. Such formalized and practiced communication builds trust, ensuring that everyone knows what is expected from them.
Ensures the maintenance of legal and safety responsibilities
Training imparts workers with a comprehensive overview of relevant regulations, thus giving them a better idea of who is responsible and how working in confined spaces should be managed.
Boosts confidence and reduces anxiety
Being familiar with onsite equipment, procedures, and safety checks lowers mental stress and helps inculcate confidence, which in turn prevents errors caused by uncertainty.
Creates a culture of safety
Workers get a greater sense of the importance of positive mental and physical health onsite, which encourages open conversations about fears, anxiety, or claustrophobia before entry.
Conclusion
Working in confined spaces is not just about the physical hazards. Awareness of invisible risks like mental health issues is also critical, as it can lead to potentially life-threatening situations.
Mental strain induced by working in tight, enclosed, and isolating environments is very real. So are other dangers, such as oxygen deficiency or the presence of toxic gases. All of these invisible risks, combined or in isolation, can severely impact focus, judgment, and decision-making.
That is why we cannot stress enough on confined space and JHSC training. Workers who are properly trained not only recognize hazards instantly but also stay calm, communicate effectively, and respond with confidence. Training can also help workers understand their limits, support their co-workers, and build a culture where safety and mental well-being go hand in hand.
Act First Safety provides certified confined space and JHSC training in Ontario that focuses on awareness, preparation, and training. Our programs inspire both caution, confidence and a commitment to returning home safely at the end of the day with the help of the right knowledge and mindset. Contact us to take the first step towards making confined spaces a stress-free work environment.
“Safety begins with awareness, and proper training is the bridge that makes awareness practical.”
FAQs
Are workers screened for mental health readiness before being hired to work in confined spaces?
Yes. Though not mandatory, employers may evaluate potential hires for their mental health readiness as part of job-specific health checks. This to ensure selected workers are mentally fit to work in challenging enclosed environments.
How can supervisors identify mental distress in confined space workers?
Signs supervisors should watch out for include unusual communication patterns, erratic breathing, panic, sweating, or hesitation before entry. Early intervention can be life-saving in such instances.
What role does peer support play in confined space safety?
Proper peer support can foster a sense of trust and open communication among all workers. It may encourage workers to express their fears or discomfort so accidents and disorders can be prevented.
