INTRODUCTION:
Mental health in the workplace has become an increasingly critical public health issue, particularly in the context of the growing prevalence of mental and behavioral disorders associated with occupational stress, excessive workload, and work-related accidents.¹ Internal Accident Prevention Weeks (SIPAs), established under Brazilian labor legislation as educational initiatives primarily focused on occupational safety, represent strategic opportunities to expand discussions on psychosocial risk factors and the promotion of mental health in occupational settings.² The active involvement of psychologists in this context enables a broadened preventive approach, integrating physical safety with mental health care and addressing the complexity of work-related suffering.³

METHODS:
This study presents an experience report from a professional psychologist describing her participation in a SIPA. The intervention comprised lectures, facilitated group discussions, and structured group activities addressing occupational stress, work-related psychological distress, prevention of mental disorders, self-care practices, and coping strategies.⁴ A participatory methodology was adopted, fostering dialogue, collective reflection, and the sharing of workers’ experiences.

RESULTS:
Participants reported increased awareness of psychosocial risk factors in the workplace, reduced stigma surrounding psychological distress, and greater recognition of the importance of emotional well-being in occupational contexts.³,⁵ Additionally, the activities promoted dialogue between workers and management, contributing to the strengthening of integrated and preventive workplace health practices. The theme “Mental Health and Work” was selected by the workers themselves, underscoring the relevance and urgency of addressing mental health within occupational safety initiatives.

CONCLUSIONS:
The inclusion of psychologists in SIPAs emerged as a highly effective strategy for promoting mental health in the workplace, expanding the traditional focus on accident prevention toward a comprehensive and holistic approach to worker health.¹ This professional contribution supports the development of healthier, safer, and more humanized work environments and highlights the need for institutional policies that systematically integrate mental health into occupational safety and health programs.