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FREMAP has a Psychosocial Intervention Protocol in place to respond to the needs of workers, families and employers in complex situations arising from major accidents, offering support and assistance to our members in times of particular vulnerability.

The following cases are defined as a “major accident”:

  • When an impactful accident occurs and affects a group (workers, employers, etc.)
  • When there are multiple injured parties in the accident.
  • In cases where there are fatalities.
  • At the request of the company/FREMAP due to the cause of the accident.

  • Insured workers who have suffered a work-related accident or illness or who have witnessed a serious accident in their workplace.
  • Immediate family members of the insured workers.
  • Employers, HR Management, Prevention Area.

When is intervention necessary?

In the cases previously classified as “major accident”.

1

Psychosocial intervention in the first phase of the accident

2

Relieve collective post-traumatic stress after the accident

3

Activate the necessary internal or external resources

This is the initial care given to a person at the time of the event or in the days immediately following.

The psychosocial intervention can be carried out by a social worker and/or a psychologist, since it is fundamentally about providing support.

It entails the following actions:

  • Attend to the needs of the affected individuals.
  • Victim intake.
  • Provide support and convey safety.
  • Identify vulnerable situations.
  • Help express emotions and feelings in situations of major impact.
  • Promote contact with the social and family network.
  • Encourage self-help.
  • Promote autonomy (help making decisions).
  • Coordination between the different operational groups.

The chaotic situation that arises from an event of this nature can trigger imbalances in terms of information, organisation, referrals, etc.

It entails the following actions:

  • Organise and coordinate actions and information among all parties involved amid the chaos of the first moments of the accident.
  • To support those affected during the acute phase, conveying serenity and responding to their information needs.

Activation of internal resources:

  • Other FREMAP professionals (directors, doctors, processing authorities/managers, prevention technicians, psychologists, etc.)
  • Special Benefits Commission

Activation of external resources:

  • Various resources such as the following: Associations, translators, interpreters, embassies, funeral homes, etc.
  • Community Social Services.
  • Company's own resources.

Depending on the magnitude of the accident, the staff will be sized according to the intervention time and the number of affected parties.

The request to activate the action protocol will be made by the area social worker, who will communicate the circumstances and scope of the event to the Area Management, which will then decide whether or not to activate it. 

Three levels of intervention are established: 

  • Level 1. Exclusive intervention with company staff for post-traumatic stress.
  • Level 2. Intervention in the event of an accident involving multiple deaths or injured parties.
  • Level 3. Intervention in a major emergency or catastrophe with multiple victims.

Level 1. Exclusive intervention with company staff for post-traumatic stress

Following a serious and impactful accident at a company, collective stress can develop, destabilising an individual's emotional balance. 

Excessive emotional tension occurs, producing

physiological, cognitive and behavioural alterations. 

Post-traumatic stress disorder is an anxiety disorder that can appear after an event that is experienced with great intensity, terror and a feeling of helplessness.

The objective of this intervention will be the following:

  • Provide support and assistance to the affected parties.
  • Address any needs that may arise (refer to medical services, psychologists, etc.).
  • Intake victims and other affected workers.
  • Promote social contact.

In order to carry out an adequate group dynamic, the number of participants should be between 8 and 15 people.

If the number is lower than this, it would be possible to assist the company's employee individually.

Level 2. Intervention in the event of an accident involving multiple deaths or injured parties

It is considered that, at level 2, the number of victims (injured and/or deceased workers) will be between 4 and 10. 

When an accident occurs involving several people and requiring the intervention of professionals from the Mutual Society, and the company also needs to provide an immediate response, psychosocial intervention is necessary to expedite both the bureaucratic process and to provide direct and personalised attention to the worker and their family.

The objective of this intervention would be the following:

  • To provide support and assistance to those affected, conveying security in times of uncertainty.
  • Attend to any personal needs that may arise.
  • Intake victims and their families.
  • Report the accident and assist in managing the necessary procedures.
  • Activate internal and external resources.
  • Refer to other entities external to the mutual society (Social Services, Embassies, Consulates, Associations, etc.)

Level 3. Intervention in a major emergency or catastrophe with multiple victims

Level 3 intervention is considered to be that which is activated in a major emergency or catastrophe where the number of people affected is high (greater than 10), or when the magnitude of the event generates a high organisational, social and emotional impact, transcending the usual scope of intervention.

These types of situations include, among others, explosions, chemical leaks, major workplace accidents, shipwrecks, natural disasters or attacks, and are noted for the complexity of the response and the need for intensive multidisciplinary coordination.

Characteristics of the intervention

  • High number of victims and/or indirectly affected individuals (families, colleagues, work environment).
  • High emotional charge and media exposure.
  • Prolonged intervention over time, with different phases (immediate, follow-up and closure).
  • Multiple intervening agents (internal and external).
  • Need for a specific organisational structure (extended team or emergency standby).

Purpose of the intervention

To provide a comprehensive, organised and coordinated response that guarantees psychosocial care to all affected individuals, facilitating crisis management and contributing to emotional and social recovery following the impact of the event.

Objectives of the intervention

  • Provide support and assistance to the affected individuals.
  • Address any needs that may arise immediately.
  • Intake victims, their families and other involved groups.
  • Promote social contact and the support network.
  • Detect early possible situations of psychological risk that require referral.
  • Coordinate actions with the different systems involved.
  • Activate the internal and external resources required for comprehensive care.