Neurodiversity & Vulnerable Workers: What do Health & Safety teams need to know?

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) defines vulnerable workers as individuals who are at risk of having their workplace entitlements denied and who lack the capacity to secure them.

This category includes pregnant workers and new mothers, lone workers, migrant workers, workers with disabilities, older workers, young people at work, and neurodiverse workers.

Employers have an enhanced responsibility to safeguard the health, safety and wellbeing of these employees — making neuroinclusion and the support of vulnerable workers a top priority for every organisation.

A 2024 CIPD report revealed concerning statistics about neurodivergent employees in the workplace, including:

  • Only 38% of surveyed businesses provide meaningful support for neurodivergent employees
  • Only around half of neurodivergent employees feel comfortable asking for support or adjustments
  • Around 3 in 10 neurodivergent employees haven’t disclosed their neurodivergence to their line manager or HR
  • 20% of neurodivergent employees have experienced harassment or discrimination at work due to their neurodivergence.
Webinar now on-demand

Sit back, relax and enjoy this insightful webinar featuring Matt Powell- Howard from NEBOSH and Alexis Powell-Howard from Fortis Therapy & Training, where they will share practical strategies and actionable insights on:

  • Defining neurodiversity and considering the different types of neurodiversity
  • How people present in the workplace
  • Case themes: What Fortis sees in practice including OH and psychiatric assessments
  • Recruiting people and the changes that can be made to be more inclusive
  • Identifying workers who may be classified as vulnerable
  • How health and safety teams must assess and support neurodiverse and vulnerable workers
  • Creating an inclusive and safe working environment

This webinar is a must-watch for health and safety professionals committed to fostering a workplace that is inclusive, safe and healthy for all.

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