ASFP introduces mental health pack for passive fire protection
The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has released a mental health pack for professionals working in passive fire protection (PFP).
The organisation said the resource is designed to raise awareness, reduce stigma and provide practical support across the sector.
According to ASFP, the pack aims to embed mental health as a core workplace consideration, not an afterthought.
The guidance highlights the importance of supportive workplace culture and long-term commitment to wellbeing.
Construction sector challenges underline initiative
The ASFP said the launch comes as mental health remains a concern across construction.
Survey data from Mates in Mind and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) showed only 33% of construction workers felt comfortable discussing mental health in 2019.
By 2022, that figure rose to 53%.
The ASFP explained it wants its new resource to build on this progress by normalising open discussion of wellbeing.
Guidance on employer responsibilities
The ASFP pack includes recommendations for employers.
It said measures such as rest facilities, Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) and access to trained mental health first aiders are advised.
The organisation added that mental health should be included in toolbox talks, inductions and risk assessments in the same way as physical safety.
Leadership involvement is also stressed, with managers encouraged to set examples by modelling healthy behaviours and supporting work-life balance.
Daniel Gibson, Chair of the ASFP Young Leaders Group, said: “Supporting mental health in construction isn’t just compassionate – it’s an investment in long-term success and innovation”.
Quotes highlight cultural shift
The ASFP explained that the new resource also signposts to organisations including Mates in Mind, the Lighthouse Club and Building Mental Health.
These groups provide helplines, training and sector-specific resources for workers.
Adam Shipstone, ASFP Head of Training, said: “Only collectively can we do something to combat this and make people realise that it’s OK not to be OK.
“I am so happy to see more and more businesses recognising the need to support mental wellbeing in the workplace, and I am even happier to see the ASFP going further to try to support its members.”
The organisation confirmed the resource is available to ASFP members through its Member Hub.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
This development is most relevant for fire-protection contractors, risk assessors, system installers and facility managers working in environments where passive fire protection measures are deployed.
The ASFP’s mental health pack provides guidance for employers on integrating wellbeing into daily practice, including toolbox talks and risk assessments.
By recommending access to Employee Assistance Programmes and trained mental health first aiders, the resource addresses the pressures often present in construction and fire-protection roles.
The pack also points to industry organisations such as Mates in Mind and the Lighthouse Club, which offer helplines and training.
For managers, the guidance highlights the importance of leadership in normalising open discussions about mental health and promoting work-life balance.
ASFP introduces mental health pack for passive fire protection: Summary
The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has launched a new mental health pack for professionals in the passive fire protection (PFP) sector.
The organisation said the resource is intended to raise awareness, reduce stigma and provide strategies that integrate wellbeing into workplace culture.
According to ASFP, survey data showed 33% of construction workers felt comfortable discussing mental health in 2019, rising to 53% in 2022.
The pack advises employers to provide rest facilities, Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), trained mental health first aiders and to embed wellbeing into risk assessments and toolbox talks.
Daniel Gibson, Chair of the ASFP Young Leaders Group, and Adam Shipstone, ASFP Head of Training, both emphasised the importance of cultural change and leadership support.
The ASFP confirmed the pack is accessible to its members through the Member Hub.
This article contains information from the following source: The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP)