Stress initiative wins European award for British company

HSE Press Release E219:02 - 2 December 2002

BP Grangemouth is one of twenty companies from across Europe who received an award in recognition of outstanding and innovative contributions to the prevention of psychosocial risks, especially work-related stress.

The awards, which were made by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, aim to acknowledge and motivate good practice activities and stimulate the sharing of practical solutions to prevent work-related stress.

BP Grangemouth submitted a low cost project using risk management to prevent potential stress arising from a plant commissioning project.

Accepting the award at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Project Manager David Wilson said:

"Taking action to control stress delivers better technology programmes. The team at Grangemouth is confident to push hard knowing they will recognise stress and that everyone involved will welcome talking about ways to resolve it. I'm sure our experience can help a wide range of teams facing similar challenges."

Another British entry to receive recognition was Debenhams Retail plc which featured in the commended section for its work in preventing work-related violence in the retail sector.

Hans-Horst Konkolewsky, the Director of the Agency, said:

"Work-related stress affects more than 40 million workers and is costing the EU an estimated 20 billion euro in absenteeism and related health costs every year - psychosocial risks hurt society and individuals. The good news is that psychosocial problems can be prevented, as the real business cases that will receive a European award clearly document. We hope that their example will inspire other private and public organisations, managers and workers to follow up with similar successful prevention efforts."

The award scheme forms part of European Week for Safety and Health at Work, which takes place every October and involves thousands of companies and organisations across Europe.

Promoted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK, this year's event saw a record breaking demand for action packs with more than 185,000 being despatched. The HSE is currently evaluating efforts made during the Week and will be announcing details of award winners early in 2003.

Notes to editors

1. For more information about the BP project, contact David Wilson, BP Grangemouth, tel: +44 (0) 1324 476863.

2. Further information on the award event and European Week 2002 can be found at www.hse.gov.uk/campaigns and http://ew2002.osha.europa.eu

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