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A Practical Approach to Health and Safety
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Work Related Stress – Guide for Employers & Employees
As an employer it’s your duty in law to make sure that your employees aren’t made ill by the work they are employed to undertake. Where there is a possibility that the work undertaken could result in stress, the employer must assess the risks. A risk assessment for stress involves:
- Looking for pressures at work that could cause high and long lasting levels of stress;
- Deciding who might be harmed by these; and
- Deciding whether you are doing enough to prevent that harm.
You, as the employer must review the assessment whenever you think that it may no longer be valid. Reviews must involve your employees; this includes Trade Union safety representatives where they have been appointed.
Remember - a content and happy work force = profit with no hidden losses
What should you, as an employer do if an employee complains about being stressed?
If the stress is work-related:
- Try to address the source(s).
- Involve the employee in decisions.
- If necessary, encourage them to seek further help through their doctor.
- If you are not their line manager, ensure that he or she treats the employee with understanding and maintains confidentiality.
As an Employee suffering with stress - you should speak to your manager or someone else you feel comfortable talking to in your organisation. If it is work-related, your employer has a duty to take reasonable steps to try to resolve the problem. If it is not work-related they may be able to support you in some way or help to take some pressure off you at work while you resolve the stress in your personal life.
A person suffering from work-related stress can help themselves in a number of ways, including:
- Recognise own training and development needs and take responsibility for their own health and well-being.
- Raise issues of concern with your line manager, Occupational Health or the Health & Safety Department. Alternatively team members should follow the Grievance Procedure which has been established to ensure that such matters are dealt with promptly and appropriately.
- Report any illness or injury, which they feel may be caused or exacerbated by work. (Your employer cannot respond to alleviate a stress situation unless he/she is made aware that such a situation exists).
- Accept opportunities for counselling when recommended.
If you require any more information or assistance we are available to help.
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