Workplace safety must include mental health, Antigua and Barbuda labour official says. He stressed stress and wellbeing at work.

Meanwhile, Deputy Labour Commissioner Pascal Kentish spoke during an Observer AM interview. He said safety must go beyond physical hazards.

In addition, he said the country needs a stronger safety culture. He explained that workplace health systems still need improvement.

He stated clearly that Antigua and Barbuda lacks a strong safety culture. Therefore, he called for change in workplace attitudes.

Moreover, he said mental wellbeing must be essential at work. He quoted a consultant who stressed mental health importance.

As a result, he emphasized that mental health is not optional. Instead, it must be a workplace priority.

Furthermore, he raised concern about psychosocial risks. These risks come from job design and management.

For example, he pointed to heavy workloads and long hours. He also mentioned unclear roles and constant pressure.

In addition, he said these conditions cause stress and burnout. They can also lead to fatigue, anxiety, and depression.

Meanwhile, he highlighted conflicting demands at work. Employees often face multiple urgent tasks at the same time.

For instance, he described situations with two urgent deadlines. Therefore, workers feel confused and overwhelmed.

As he explained, this confusion affects performance. It also increases mental strain on employees.

Moreover, he warned that workers often ignore stress effects. However, problems can grow over time.

Eventually, stress may lead to health conditions. These include hypertension and diabetes.

In addition, he mentioned chronic stress symptoms. Workers may suffer from constant headaches and fatigue.

Consequently, he questioned workplace productivity under stress. A stressed worker delivers lower output, he said.

Furthermore, he noted wider workplace effects. These include absenteeism and reduced engagement.

Also, he stressed the importance of job design. Clear roles and balanced workloads improve wellbeing.

In addition, he supported workplace dialogue and policies. He referenced the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health.

Therefore, he called for action at workplace and national levels. He said psychosocial risks must be included in safety policies.

Overall, he urged stronger attention to mental health at work.