Keywords
Citation
(1999), "New guidance on work-related stress", Industrial and Commercial Training, Vol. 31 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/ict.1999.03731aab.004
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 1999, MCB UP Limited
New guidance on work-related stress
New guidance on work-related stress
Keywords Employees, Management, Stress, Work
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published free guidance to help small firms tackle work-related stress.
It follows the results of an HSE survey, Self-reported Work-related Illness in 1995, which found that half a million people suffer from stress-related ill health which they believe is caused, or made worse, by work. This makes it the second most commonly reported work-related condition after musculoskeletal disorders.
HSE involved employers' organizations, the TUC and leading academics in producing Help on Work-related Stress A Short Guide. There is demand from small firms (and others) for clearly set out and easily accessible advice. The booklet has a user-friendly question and answer format and has won a Clear English Standard award from the Plain Language Commission.
Launching the booklet, UK Environment Minister, Alan Meale, said:
The Government is rightly concerned about the level of work-related stress and is determined to do something about it. But we also recognize that it is a complex issue and that there are no "quick-fix" solutions. This booklet is a valuable contribution to tackling the problem. We will continue to encourage employers to see that the way work is organized and management attitudes can cause stress, and that there are measures they can take to deal with the problem.
The booklet lists the main factors that can contribute to work-related stress and emphasizes that plain good management is the best way to deal with the issue. It outlines employers' legal duties but also offers practical advice and explains how to conduct a risk assessment.
Dr Peter Graham, head of HSE's Health Directorate, said:
We hope that this guidance will help employers in small firms deal with any difficult situations and pinpoint potential problems. It also shows that dealing with the issue is all about good management, that it need not be difficult or costly and that it can save firms money by making sure their employers are happy, healthy and here.
Single copies of Help on Work-related Stress A Short Guide (ref. INDG281) are available free from HSE and packs of ten cost £5.00. To order, contact HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, CO10 6FS, UK. Tel: 01787 881165 or Fax: 01787 313995.
For further information contact HSE's InfoLine, Tel: 0541 545500 or write to HSE Information Centre, Broad Lane, Sheffield S3 7HQ, UK.