A comprehensive report co-authored by Gerard Forlin KC on psychosocial risk management (PRM) in the aviation industry has garnered significant attention. Developed by the Human Factors Wellbeing Specialist Group of the UK’s Royal Aeronautical Society, the report highlights critical areas within the aviation ecosystem that would benefit from a proactive approach to staff mental health and wellbeing.
The Growing Need for Psychosocial Risk Management
Gerard, who has played a pivotal role in drafting a forthcoming consensus statement by the Royal Aeronautical Society, underscores the increasing acknowledgment and acceptance of psychosocial risk management within the aviation sector. He advocates for the adoption of ISO 450003, which offers a clear and pragmatic framework for enhancing workplace safety and performance related to mental health.
“This paper is seen as a definitive work in this area, providing a holistic approach to addressing the mental health crisis rather than merely applying a ‘sticking plaster’ to an already concerning issue,” Gerard mentioned in interviews with Air Traffic Technology and Business Airport International magazines. He urges regulatory bodies and stakeholders to expedite their efforts in implementing the report’s recommendations across the aviation sector.
Current Progress and Areas for Improvement
The report acknowledges that while some progress has been made, significant work remains to be done. “We need to create an integrated approach across all stakeholders,” Gerard states. He points out that while the aviation sector has begun to recognize psychosocial risk as a serious issue, it has lagged behind other industries in treating mental health as a critical safety factor.
“We seem to have hit a turning point when it comes to pilots’ mental health, but the rest of aviation is lagging behind,” Gerard emphasized in his discussion with Business Airport International.
Key Recommendations
Among the report’s critical findings are 13 recommendations aimed at guiding industry regulators and employers in better managing psychosocial risks. Gerard concludes, “This issue is crucial. The industry must act fast and act comprehensively.”
These recommendations are intended to foster a more supportive environment for aviation personnel, recognizing the unique pressures they face and the potential impact on overall safety and performance.
Upcoming Engagements
Gerard is set to deliver the keynote address at a Royal Aeronautical Society conference on October 9th and will also present a lecture to the Lloyd’s Market Association in November 2024 on this pressing topic. Through these engagements, he hopes to further emphasize the importance of prioritizing mental health within the aviation industry and catalyze actionable changes.
Related topics:
