How Health and Safety Responsibilities Can Affect Your Own Wellbeing

By Abby Shaw, Head of Marketing and Communications, UniMed

Before joining UniMed, I spent 12 years working in communications roles within large construction companies. I loved the work, the people, and the variety that came with supporting teams across high‑risk environments. A big part of my role involved helping to develop and promote health and safety initiatives. It was rewarding to know that, in a small way, I was contributing to keeping people safe.

In construction, safety is everyone’s responsibility. Even with strong leadership, robust systems, and well‑designed tools and resources, the reality is that frontline workers face significant risks every day. And for those supporting them — including leaders, communicators, and health and safety professionals — the emotional load can be heavier than we realise.

A confronting reality

Early in my career, a subcontractor was fatally injured on one of our worksites. I was 26 at the time, and he was younger than me. I still remember the moment our CEO explained what had happened and what I needed to do to support the team. I approached the situation with empathy and compassion, but it was an incredibly difficult time for everyone involved.

In the months that followed, investigations were completed, procedures were reviewed, and new mitigation plans were put in place. Safety was always the number one priority — a mantra that high‑risk industries live by every day.

Two years later, tragedy struck again. A subcontractor was killed on his first day on the job. Although the circumstances were different, the impact was just as devastating. Once again, I found myself leading communications, supporting teams, and helping manage the crisis with as much care as I could.

The cumulative impact of responsibility

Over the next few years, further tragedies occurred. Each time, I worked closely with leaders and frontline teams who showed extraordinary strength, compassion, and commitment to their people. I admired them deeply.

But I also began to notice something in myself. During the last fatality I experienced in the industry, I realised I had gone into autopilot. I was calm, efficient, and focused — but I felt nothing. I had become numb. The empathy that had always guided me simply wasn’t there in that moment.

That was my turning point. It was the first time I recognised that the responsibility of my role — supporting others through trauma, crisis, and loss — was affecting my own wellbeing.

Understanding the signs

I had become skilled at operating under pressure, but I hadn’t learned how to decompress afterwards. I didn’t recognise the physical and emotional signs that my body was giving me. I didn’t have the tools to process what I was experiencing. I told myself I was “just doing my job”.

Since joining UniMed, I’ve spent more time learning about mental health, wellbeing, and the impact our work environment can have on us. I’ve learned strategies, signs to look out for, and ways to support others. And it’s made me reflect on the leaders I once admired — those who carried enormous responsibility with such strength. Were they getting the support they needed too?

Who looks after the people who look after others?

We equip leaders to look after their teams. But who looks after the leaders? How do we ensure that those exposed to trauma, crisis, and high‑pressure situations are supported as well?

With World Day for Safety and Health at Work approaching, it feels like the right time to share this reflection. It’s an opportunity to acknowledge the incredible health, safety, and wellbeing practitioners and leaders who work tirelessly to keep their people safe.

And to all people leaders, I’d ask this simple question:

Is the responsibility of looking after your employees’ health and safety affecting your own wellbeing?

Are you practising what you preach? Are you taking time to understand your own feelings, recognise the signs, and look after yourself too?

Because when we understand ourselves better, we’re better equipped to support the people who rely on us.

Kind regards,

Abby Shaw,

Head of Marketing and Communications,

UniMed

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