Stress Policy
GENERAL STATEMENT
P.C. Harrington Contractors Limited is committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of our employees and recognises that workplace stress may at times be a health and safety issue and thus acknowledges the importance of identifying and reducing workplace stressors. This policy will apply to everyone in the company and managers are responsible for implementation and the company is responsible for providing the necessary resources.
DEFINITION OF STRESS
The Health and Safety Executive define stress as the “adverse reaction people have to excessive pressure or other types of demand placed on them”.
This makes an important distinction between pressure, which can be a positive state if managed correctly, and stress which can be detrimental to health. We recognise that maintaining healthy levels of pressure is essential to both maintaining a competitive and productive business as well as avoiding stress problems that can adversely affect both individuals and our company.
RISK ASSESSMENTS
The Group Health and Safety Director has been nominated as the person who will oversee the carrying out of stress risk assessments in our workplace. This person has undergone training in risk assessment techniques. Where necessary he will appoint additional competent persons to assist in carrying out our risk assessments.
The company will identify all workplace stressors and conduct risk assessments to eliminate stress or control the risks from stress. These risk assessments will be regularly reviewed. The company will consult with you and any staff representative on proposed actions relating to the prevention of workplace stress. The company will provide adequate resources to enable managers to implement the company’s agreed stress management strategy.
INFORMATION AND TRAINING
The Group Health and Safety Director has been nominated as the person who will oversee the delivery of training designed to help avoid or reduce stress in our workplace. This person has undergone training in providing health and safety training. Where necessary he will appoint additional competent persons to assist in carrying out training.
The company will provide training for all managers and supervisory staff in good management practices. The company will provide confidential counselling for staff affected by stress caused by either work or external factors. All employees will be provided training that will include, as a minimum:
• The nature of stress and the distinction between stress and pressure
• The signs and symptoms of stress
• Practical measures you can take to avoid problems
• Steps you must take in the event of a problem.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Managers
All managers and supervisors are responsible for:
• Conducting and implementing recommendations of risks assessments within their jurisdiction.
• Ensuring good communication between management and staff, particularly where there are organisational and procedural changes.
• Ensuring staff are fully trained to discharge their duties.
• Ensuring staff are provided with meaningful developmental opportunities.
• Monitoring workloads to ensure that people are not overloaded.
• Monitoring working hours and overtime to ensure that staff are not overworking.
• Monitoring holidays to ensure that staff are taking their full entitlement.
• Attending training as requested in good management practice and health and safety.
• Ensuring that bullying and harassment is not tolerated within their jurisdiction.
• Remaining vigilant and offering additional support to a member of staff who is experiencing stress outside work e.g. bereavement or separation.
Employees
All staff, including yourself, are responsible for:
• Raising issues of concern with your line manager or safety representative.
• Making suggestions and giving your views during consultation events such as meetings or responding to surveys. The aim of this type of consultation is to help identify ways in which we can implement workplace improvements to reduce stress.
• Accept opportunities for support and help when this is recommended.
EMPLOYEE CONSULTATION
We consider that the involvement of all employees is a vital part of managing stress within our business. To assist this process we utilise the IIF programme where you can make comments and raise concerns. We will also establish, where appropriate will perform a pivotal role in ensuring that this policy is implemented. The Safety Leadership Team will oversee monitoring of the efficacy of the policy and other measures to reduce stress and promote workplace health and safety.
002-75-02 Stress Policy
Last Reviewed: February 09
Review: at least annually
