04/07/2002

Health initiative aims to tackle stress in the workplace

A major new awareness initiative on preventing work-related stress has been launched today by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

A full media advertising campaign has been launched by the group to increase awareness among managers in UK companies of all sizes.

Initially aimed at public sector workers where levels of reported incidence of stress are highest, a series of advertisements will advise managers of schools, hospitals, police and emergency services on steps to take in preventing the condition.

Stress is the second biggest cause of work-related illness in the UK with one in five workers reporting they have been affected by it.

Elizabeth Gyngell, Head of HSE’s Health Directorate, said: “Stress management should become part of corporate culture as a preventative measure. Our aim is to prevent people being affected by work-related stress. There are early warning signs of stress that managers can look for and steps that can be taken to reduce its effects.”

Part of the campaign will be to encourage organisations to send for HSE’s detailed guide: ‘Tackling work-related stress: a manager's guide to improving and maintaining employee health and well-being’.

Work-related stress is also the focus for this year's European Week for Safety and Health, beginning on 14 October 2002. Organisations throughout the UK are being urged to run stress prevention campaigns that HSE then rewards with certificates and, in some cases, awards.

(AMcE)


Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

17 October 2002
Seminars promise businesses 'cut stress and increase profits'
As part of a series of educational seminars throughout the UK following National Stress Awareness Day, Salus Stress Management are to hold seminars in Northern Ireland on November 7 in Coleraine.
09 February 2024
Calor Backs Campaign To Promote Mental Health Awareness
Calor Ireland has taken an important step to destigmatise mental well-being following the installation of a uniquely painted elephant as part of its Charity Partner's 'Elephant in the Room' campaign.
16 May 2005
Employers called on to tackle stress levels
Rising stress levels at work are now costing 10% of the UK’s Gross National Product, mental health charity, Mind, has reported. A new report published by the charity found that 58% of workers complained of job stress and 12.
16 January 2024
Businesses Should Prioritise Employee Mental & Emotional Health
The start of the new year can be the perfect opportunity for businesses to prioritise the mental and emotional wellbeing of their employees. New Year resolutions are in full swing for many individuals who are choosing to take up new hobbies and concentrate on their emotional ad physical wellbeing this year.
29 April 2019
Online Portal Launched To Support Employers With Workplace Health
An online web portal is giving businesses and employers across Northern Ireland the ability to access information on occupational health, hygiene and wellbeing.