Scheme launched to tackle work-related stress

A helping hand for firms to tackle stress using a pilot project has been launched today by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Up to 13.4 million days a year are lost due to stress at work and although guidance has been available for almost a decade, the Health and Safety Commission wanted an "innovative approach" which would provide the tools for bosses and workers to tackle the challenge in their own firms.

The blueprint, 'Management Standards for Stress', is being placed on HSE's website to encourage all sizes and all types of companies to respond before it is formally developed for launch next year.

Bill Callaghan, Chair of the Health and Safety Commission, said: "We know that there is considerable pressure in the modern workplace but there is a difference between the buzz people get from doing a busy and challenging job and an unreasonable pressure which can harm health, lead to absence and put additional strain on their colleagues trying to cope in an even more pressured environment.

The current pilot has been devised with the help of 24 companies - from academic institutions to a supermarket chain - and their positive initial comments have fuelled plans to make it more available to others.

Elizabeth Gyngell, Head of HSE's Better Working Environment Division, said: "I am delighted that such a wide range of companies, including HSE itself, are working with us to develop standards and being so frank in helping us tackle the challenges. I am confident that we will get a much better end product as a result."

(GMcG)