IMPLEMENTING HR-BASED PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY PROGRAMS FOR WORKERS IN HAZARDOUS AQUATIC ENVIRONMENTS

Abstract

Personnel operating in hazardous aquatic settings like offshore oil rigs, coastal construction sites, and marine research operations are subjected to enhanced psychological risks such as fears of drowning, solitude, and unpredictable environmental conditions. This paper examines the application of HR-based psychological safety programs designed for such contexts. It suggests integrated layered approaches that encompass mental health screenings, resilience-building workshops, anonymous reporting, and real-time stress monitoring. This research draws from occupational psychology, marine safety engineering, and HR management to assess program impact with 68 coastal and underwater project employees. Results suggest that participants experienced improvement in trust, perceived organizational support, team communication, as well as reductions in anxiety and attrition. The paper makes the case for policy and operational embedding of psychological safety within HR systems, positioning the framework as the primary standard of care in the management of mental health concerns for aquatic workers.