News - Safety representatives' top hazards

Safety representatives' top hazards The TUC sixth biennial survey of health and safety representatives identified stress as the most frequently reported hazard, and the problem seems to be getting worse. The survey, of more than 3,300 union representatives, identified repetitive strain injuries as the second main concern and display screen equipment third. Stress is still the biggest problem facing UK workplaces, with excessive workloads, job cuts and rapid change the most common triggers for rising stress levels amongst employees. The figures show that 6 out of 10 union safety reps (61%) questioned by the TUC reported stress to be their most pressing concern at work. This was up from 58% in the 2004 survey and 56% in 2002. The latest survey found that in firms employing fewer than 50 staff, stress was the top concern for 58% of safety reps, but in organisations with more than 1,000 employees, the figure rose to 67% When asked what were the factors most likely to lead to problems with stress at work, over three quarters of the reps (76%) said that excessive workloads were to blame. Other issues cited included cuts in staffing levels (57%), rapid change (53%), long working hours (34%) and bullying (33%). HSE recently said half a million people in Britain currently experience work-related stress at a level they believe is making them ill. It estimated the financial costs to society at Ł3.8 billion a year. Cardinus offers a comprehensive risk management process based on two software programs, Managing Stress at Work and Stress Indicator. Managing Stress at Work is an innovative educational program designed to help supervisors identify and manage stress in the workplace. Cardinus Stress Indicator program assists compliance with HSE guidance as a tool to assess your organisation stress profile.
	Online stress indicator - risk assessment Based on the HSE's stress indicator, this online survey will help organisations to pinpoint stress. It is made up of 35 items that ask about “working conditions” that are known to be potentials for work-related stress.
	Managing Stress at Work A highly engaging, online course designed to change managers' mindsets as well as provide detailed information about how to avoid and deal with stress in the workplace.

Safety representatives' top hazards

Online stress indicator - risk assessment

Managing Stress at Work