Health & Safety Risk Management System

H12 - Stress

Stress caused by work is the second biggest occupational health problem in the UK (after back problems). Because there’s still a stigma attached to mental health problems, employees are often reluctant to seek help in case they’re seen as unable to cope.

Many situations can lead to stress at work. These include:

• Poor relationships with colleagues
• An unsupportive boss
• Lack of consultation and communication
• Too much interference with your private, social or family life
• Too much or too little to do
• Too much pressure, with unrealistic deadlines
• Work that’s too difficult or not demanding enough
• Lack of control over the way the work is done
• Poor working conditions
• Being in the wrong job
• Feeling undervalued
• Insecurity and the threat of unemployment.

If employees suffer from stress, don’t ignore it. If left unchecked, stress can have a significant effect on their health and wealth. Companies have a legal duty to take action. And it’s in their interests to do so, given that a stress-free workforce is happier, more efficient and more productive.

These procedures will help you identify and eliminate stressors in the workplace.