Further information for those experiencing stress and for their managers

Physical ill-health

If you are suffering from physical ill health, you should in the first instance visit your GP or Occupational Health adviser if there is one where you work. Before you go, you may wish to think about whether your symptoms could be linked to stress. Both backpain and upper limb disorders (ULDs) have been associated with stress, although this is not always the case.

If I have backpain or a ULD, how do I know if my condition stems from work-related stress?

Think about your workplace and ask yourself some questions. Some example questions are shown below. If the answer to any of them is 'Yes' it may indicate that stress is a factor:

• Is your work paced - i.e. does a machine or team set the pace, or the work rate is otherwise not under your control?
• Do you find it difficult to keep up with your work?
• Do you feel there is a lack of support from your supervisor or colleagues?
• Do your tasks require high levels of attention or concentration?
• Are there frequent tight deadlines to meet?

Further information can be found in appendix 2, section 7 (psychosocial factors) of ULDs in the Workplace.

If you have backpain or a ULD, appendix 2 of the new DSE guidance has some good explanations of how they can be linked to stress. For example:

• Poorly designed workstation or environment
• Lack of support from your supervisor or colleagues
• High workload, tight deadlines
• Fatigue

For further information on backpain or ULDs you may find HSE's Musculoskeletal Disorders Web Pages helpful.

Even though you are experiencing physical ill-health, if your illness/injury stems from experiencing stress at work, you may also benefit from speaking to a counsellor or psychologist, in addition to a medical adviser for your physical ill health.
More information on mental illness.