| Stress is not a problem for
most people |
FACT: Stress is one
of the biggest health issues at work today. It affects at least 1in 5
people |
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|
| A bit of Stress is good for
you. If people can't cope then that's their problem. |
FACT: The Health
& Safety Executive agrees that Stress is the reaction people have to
excessive demands or pressures. Stress levels will vary from one person to
another and people cope with Stress in different ways. |
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|
| Stress is not a serious
illness |
FACT: Stress can
cause anxiety, depression, appetite problems, headaches, backache, sleeping
problems and in the long term heart disease and ulcers. |
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|
| The Stress is probably caused
by problems outside of work |
FACT: Stress can be
caused by long hours, shift work, lack of control, job insecurity, fear of
violence, bullying, bad relations with work colleagues, overcrowding, low pay,
boredom and isolation. So Stress is very much a work problem. |
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| Stress is nothing
to do with the Employer |
FACT: Under the
Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations, the employer must assess
the nature and scale of risks to health. This applies to the Risks of Stress as
much as other workplace hazards. The Health & Safety Executive says:
"Ill-Health resulting from Stress caused at work has to be treated the same as
ill-health due to other physical causes in the workplace." |
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| But there's
nothing a Manager can do about it |
FACT: Managers
should bear Stress in mind when assessing possible health hazards and look out
for developing problems. They should:
- identify the causes of workplace Stress and eliminate them
- educate employees about Stress and encourage participation and
co-operative working
- rehabilitate employees suffering Stress through the
occupational health unit and employee support line
. |
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Further Guidance is available in Safe Working Procedure No 61 -
available on the Intranet or from the Resources Group.
For more information please contact your Health & Safety
Representative or email the
Branch
Office.