SEEKING INNOVATIVE COMPANIES WHO WANT TO TACKLE STRESS

HSE press release: E099:03 - 16 June 2003

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.

Called Management Standards for Stress, the blueprint is being placed on HSE's website to encourage all sizes and all types of companies to have a go. The good news is that any feedback they provide will be incorporated when the system 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.

"So in developing a new approach it is important to get active participation, agreement and feedback from as many people as possible and that is why we have decided that innovative firms seeking an answer can have a go with this scheme. I hope this encourages all sectors and sizes of business to give it a go and have their say at this crucial time in the development of practical and innovative ways to combat stress at work."

"Stress is on everyone's lips and business people are becoming aware of just how costly not dealing with this problem can be. Personally I think handing them a tool to help them develop good practice makes sense and the earlier the better. I know this is not going to be easy but grasping this nettle can make for a successful business and a happier workforce."

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."

The Standards are available on the Health and Safety Executive's web site at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/stress

Notes to editors

1. The Health & Safety at Work etc. Act (1974) places a general duty of care on employers to protect the health and safety of their employees. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999) also requires employers to carry out a risk assessment involving the health, safety and welfare of their staff.

2. Around 24 organisations representing both public and private sectors across England, Scotland and Wales are involved in the formal pilot study, which began in March 2003 and is expected to run until Autumn 2003.

3. A full list of official pilot organisations is currently not available but includes:

Bristol City Council;
Cottage and Rural Enterprises Ltd;
Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs;
Department of Work and Pensions;
Innogy;
Lloyds TSB;
Sainsbury;
Sheffield City Council;
Sheffield Hallam University;
Winchester City Council.

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