UK Launches BS 30480: A New Standard for Suicide Risk Management in the Workplace

The British Standards Institution has released BS 30480, the first workplace standard in the world dedicated to suicide prevention, intervention and support. Its purpose is simple: to help organisations create safer, more compassionate environments where people feel able to speak openly about their mental health and receive the support they need.

The standard was developed with input from government partners, charities, clinicians, researchers and industry specialists. It brings together guidance that has previously been spread across different sources and formats, making it easier for organisations to follow consistent, evidence-based practice.

Why Suicide Prevention Matters at Work

Suicide affects far more people than many realise. Research referenced in BS 30480 suggests that at least 135 people are impacted by every suicide, including family members, colleagues, friends and members of the wider community. These effects can be long-lasting and emotionally complex.

Workplaces play an important role here. Most adults spend a significant part of their lives at work, which means colleagues and managers are often in a position to notice changes earlier than anyone else. However, many people still feel unsure about what to say or do when they sense someone is struggling.

BS 30480 aims to change that by providing practical, accessible guidance that organisations can rely on.

Building Supportive and Safe Workplace Cultures

A key message in the standard is that suicide prevention is not only about responding to crisis moments. It is also about creating day-to-day environments where people feel respected, included and psychologically safe.

BS 30480 encourages organisations to:

• Train managers and teams to recognise early signs of distress
• Reduce stigma by encouraging open, honest conversations about mental health
• Review policies to ensure they are supportive, clear and consistently applied
• Offer regular, private check-ins where people can safely raise concerns
• Make sure colleagues know where to access internal and external support

The standard also includes example checklists and reflective questions that help organisations think about whether their current culture genuinely supports good mental health.

Recognising Risk and Warning Signs

The document outlines a range of factors that may increase someone’s risk of suicide. These can include personal circumstances, relationship difficulties, financial concerns, workplace pressures or experiences of trauma.

It also describes several warning signs that managers and colleagues should be aware of. These might include:

• Becoming unusually withdrawn
• Expressing feelings of hopelessness or being a burden
• Noticeable changes in mood or behaviour
• Increased reliance on substances
• Talking about wanting to escape or feeling unable to cope
• Changes in attendance, timekeeping or work quality

Recognising these signs early can make a meaningful difference. Often, simply noticing and gently asking how someone is doing can create the opening they need to talk.

Asking Directly About Suicide

One of the most helpful pieces of guidance in BS 30480 is that asking someone directly about suicide is not harmful. Many people worry about saying the wrong thing, but sensitive, straightforward questions can actually reduce distress and help someone feel less alone.

The standard includes examples of clear, compassionate questions and explains why vague or minimising language can make it harder for someone to open up.

Responding with Care When Someone Is Struggling

BS 30480 offers step-by-step guidance on how to respond when someone shares that they are having thoughts of suicide. It covers how to listen without judgement, what information may be important to gather, and what to do if someone might be in immediate danger.

It also explains how confidentiality should be handled, how to create a safety plan and how to follow up with someone after the initial conversation. These sections include internal checklists and scenario-based guidance to support line managers, HR teams, health and safety leads and Occupational Health professionals.

Supporting Those Affected by Suicide

Support is just as important after a suicide has occurred or after someone has attempted to take their own life. BS 30480 provides guidance on:

• Supporting workers who have been bereaved by suicide
• Communicating with sensitivity following a death
• Offering space, adjustments or time away from work
• Helping colleagues process the event in healthy ways
• Planning a person’s return to work after a suicide attempt
• Managing media interest when necessary

The standard includes a practical toolkit with templates and frameworks that organisations can adapt to their own processes.

How Employers Can Start Putting BS 30480 Into Practice

Adopting the standard does not require large budgets or major organisational restructuring. Employers can begin with a few clear steps:

1. Review current policies and procedures

Look at existing mental health, wellbeing, HR and safety policies. Check whether they mention suicide, how clearly they set out responsibilities and whether staff know how to follow them.

2. Train managers and key teams

Managers are often the first to notice changes in behaviour. Offering simple, evidence-based training can give them confidence to start conversations and respond appropriately.

3. Build awareness among staff

Workforce-wide communication helps reduce stigma. This might involve sharing internal resources, holding awareness sessions or promoting employee assistance programmes.

4. Put supportive structures in place

This could include wellbeing champions, peer support, flexible working arrangements or opportunities for private check-ins.

5. Prepare for crisis situations

Use the checklists in BS 30480 to build clear escalation procedures. Make sure people know who to contact and what steps to follow.

6. Offer post-incident support

Having a plan in place means you can respond quickly and compassionately if a colleague is bereaved or affected by a suicide attempt.

7. Review and improve regularly

The standard encourages organisations to reflect, learn and adapt. Regular reviews help ensure that support remains relevant and effective.

Why BS 30480 Matters

Many people who experience suicidal thoughts never tell anyone at work because they fear negative consequences or believe nothing will change. BS 30480 encourages organisations to create environments where people feel heard, supported and able to ask for help without judgement.

By adopting this standard, employers can play an important part in prevention. They can help reduce stigma, support those who are struggling and ensure colleagues feel valued and safe.