Identifying, preventing and managing stress at work

 Managing stress

"Work-related stress describes the physical, mental and emotional reactions of workers who perceive that their work demands exceed their abilities and/or their resources (such as time, help/support) to do the work"

                                                                                                                - SafeworkSA

Risk Factors for work related stress

Work demands- Exceeding the person's capacity for work will lead to stress. 

Poor support- This is when employees are not supported by their supervisors, this will lead to stress. Employees need support and feedback regarding the work and issues they encounter. 

Low control- This refers to how much control person has regarding the work. unnecessary levels of supervision may lead to stress.

Poor relationships- Colleagues can be important sources of support but they can also be potential sources of stress.  Relationships with bosses, peers and subordinates can positively or negatively affect the way a worker feels.

Undefined roles- When employees are unclear about their roles and responsibilities, it will result in stress. Role conflicts may also lead to this. 

Low recognition and reward- Appraisal and recognition can be achieved through tangible rewards or through feedback on task performance and providing opportunities for the development of skills. Employees expect recognition on the work they do. If there is lack of recognition, will lead to reducing performance and ultimately stress.

These factors result in work related stress. This will lead to psychological illnesses and Physical illnesses. 

How to identify stress at work

Preventing and managing stress

Implementing work stress risk management process at workplace is important. 

Refer below links for more details: 

https://www.safework.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/140669/Mental_health_work_related_stress.pdf

https://www.safework.sa.gov.au/workers/health-and-wellbeing/psychological-hazards

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/work-related-stress

 

Promoting Work, Health and Safety at Navitas Professional services

Creating a safe workplace is an important aspect at workplace. Here are some tips to promote work, Health and Safety. According to the SafeWork Australia, AU $736 Million workers' compensation paid for serious claims in 2018-19 for work related mental health conditions, 120,355 Serious workers' compensation claims in 2019-20 and 25 killed at work in 2022. 

What is Work Health and Safety?

Work health and safety (WHS) "sometimes called occupational health and safety (OH&S) – involves the management of risks to the health and safety of everyone in your workplace. This includes the health and safety of anyone who does work for you as well as your customers, visitors and suppliers". (business.gov.au)

Train employees

Providing relevant training for employees is important. Make sure to provide necessary training appropriate for different positions to prevent any workplace injury. Also ensure that company has Safety program designed for different requirements. Some jobs will require First aid and emergency training. So providing basic education on them is important. 

Create a safety culture

Developing a safe culture is critical. Discuss continuously on safety matters at workplace to reduce injuries. Understand the root causes for injuries and monitor the safety policies and procedures is really important. Safe culture creates trust in the employees and benefit employees in long term. 

Conduct workplace risk Assessment 

This will increase risk awareness among employees, clearly defines who is at risk and why, help to prioritize hazards that need to be addressed immediately and suggest any precautionary steps to improve safety. This has to be done regularly. 

Communications on safety measures

Ensure to communicate important aspects of safety at workplace among employees. make sure to clearly communicate on latest information on notice boards and circulate among employees. 

Respond to health and Safety hazards

Any reported hazards should be monitored and should be addressed accordingly. Clear procedures need to be in place to report hazard incidents and encourage employees to report them. 

START SAFE, WORK SAFE AND FINISH SAFE!!!

For more details refer:

https://www.concentra.com/resource-center/articles/10-simple-steps-to-improve-workplace-safety/

https://healthcareweekly.com/7-ways-to-promote-health-and-safety-in-the-workplace/

https://www.mfasco.com/blog/safety-topics/4-strategies-for-promoting-workplace-health-and-safety.html