Safety Stand-Down Concludes with Focus on Mental Health and Well-Being
Washington State L&I is encouraging employers to address stress, fatigue and psychological safety as part of a broader approach to preventing workplace incidents and supporting worker well-being.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- May 08, 2026
Washington State’s Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is emphasizing mental health and well-being as part of the final day of the National Safety Stand-Down.
The agency is encouraging employers to recognize the role mental health plays in overall workplace safety, noting that stress, fatigue and psychological strain can contribute to incidents and injuries. Officials said addressing these factors is essential to creating safer, more supportive work environments.
L&I is promoting resources to help employers identify workplace stressors, support workers and integrate mental health into broader safety programs. The agency also stressed the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations around mental health concerns.
The focus on mental well-being is part of a broader effort to expand the definition of workplace safety beyond physical hazards, reinforcing the need for comprehensive approaches that protect workers’ overall health.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco brings a strong and varied journalism background to her role at Occupational Health & Safety, having previously served as a multimedia editor, broadcast journalist, professor and reviewer across major news organizations. As Content Editor, she writes news and feature articles, hosts sponsor and editorial webinars, co-hosts the SafetyPod worker health and safety podcast, and manages the brand’s digital and social media presence. She is committed to informing and engaging the safety community through compelling reporting and conversations that support safer, healthier workplaces.