Stressed Out

legal updates

Line Managers can play an important role in helping manage work-related stress.

Read our disclaimer keyboard_arrow_down

This website content is intended as a general guide to law as it applies to the motor trade. Lawgistics has taken every effort to ensure that the contents are as accurate and up to date as at the date of first publication.

The laws and opinions expressed within this website may be varied as the law develops. As such we cannot accept liability for or the consequence of, any change of law, or official guidelines since publication or any misuse of the information provided.

The opinions in this website are based upon the experience of the authors and it must be recognised that only the courts and recognised tribunals can interpret the law with authority.

Examples given within the website are based on the experience of the authors and centre upon issues that commonly give rise to disputes. Each situation in practice will be different and may comprise several points commented upon.

If you have any doubt about the correct legal position you should seek further legal advice from Lawgistics or a suitably qualified solicitor. We cannot accept liability for your failure to take professional advice where it should reasonably be sought by a prudent person.

All characters are fictitious and should not be taken as referring to any person living or dead.

Use of this website shall be considered acceptance of the terms of the disclaimer presented above.

Across Great Britain, work-related stress accounts for over half (57%) of all working days lost to ill health. In the last 12 months, over 600 000 workers reported suffering from stress, depression or anxiety, caused, or made worse by their work. Stress affects us all at different times and in different ways.

The HSE have recently produced the Talking Toolkit aimed at Line Mangers.

Line Managers can play an important role in helping manage work-related stress. There are many tools, resources and guides available to help employers in deciding what these measures should be; however firstly employers need to find out (a) if there is a problem within their own organisation and (b) how big is the problem. This publication could be a useful starting point and provide the means for feedback to the Employer (and Senior Managers) about how their workforce feel about the work they do; and their working environment.

Designed to help Line Managers: The Talking Toolkit has been published as part of the HSE’s own Go Home Healthy campaign. It is designed to help Line Managers to open an initial conversation with their own staff; as part of an employer’s journey towards preventing work-related stress. By taking effective action Employers can help create a more engaged, healthy workforce. Such an approach may also boost productivity and save money.

Employers have reported improvements in productivity, retention of staff and a reduction in sickness absence where they have tackled work-related stress.

Anxiety, depression and employees suffering from stress is a very real matter for concern. It is adding significant costs to businesses, individuals and their families and to society at large (the UK Plc).

Lets’ open up a conversation: I would urge senior managers to look at the attached and see it as being a useful tool to open up a conversation on a matter that is sometimes seen a being difficult to talk about. To use the saying… “its’ good to talk.” I would suggest that the Talking Toolkit is probably best used within small discussion groups of 3 or 4 persons; as a one-to-one meeting might not reveal how people genuinely feel about themselves, their work and the work environment. Whether an employer is a small business or a large corporation, the law requires all employers to assess the risk of work-related stress and to put steps in place to tackle those risks.

When did you last ask a work colleague “how do you feel today?” rather than “how are you doing?” (a question which generally results in the same response “OK, alright”) with no real indicator as to how that person is; or is not dealing with some difficult issues.

Please use the following link to download this new stress management tool. www.hse.gov.uk/gohomehealthy/assets/docs/StressTalkingToolkit.pdf

BEN the automotive charity that supports people who work within the motor industry and their families is very active on the issue of mental health issues you can contact them here.

WeRecruit Auto LtdPermanent Automotive Recruitment from an experienced and trustworthy recruitment partner.

We cover roles within all departments and sectors of the Automotive industry, and are here to listen to your specific needs and find the most suitable candidates to fit your business.

BEN’s free and confidential helpline number is 08081 311 333 or email BEN [email protected]

https://ben.org.uk/our-services/support-services/mental-health-wellbeing/

Ernie TaylorHealth & Safety ConsultantRead More by this author

Related Legal Updates

Toilet provision in the workplace

It’s hard to imagine this sensible judgment was not a relief for all the employees involved in the use of these toilets.

Mental Capacity – a person’s ability to make a decision

This is not a “one size fits all”, and you will need practices and procedures in place for such an eventuality.

Can my employees tell me it is too hot to work?

Bosses should make sure they are doing all they can to keep their people cool, especially in areas where machinery might generate extra heat.

Managing Home Workers’ Health and Safety

The guidance published by the HSE about home working has been redesigned and expanded to provide more detail on straightforward actions to manage the homeworkers’ health and safety.

Site Supervisor Fined After Worker Suffered Serious Injuries

Remind your Managers and Site Supervisors about their delegated responsibilities for health and safet

HSE update – Control Of Substances Harmful to Health (COSHH)

COSHH requirements will be particularly relevant for any business running a repairs workshop.

Aiming for excellence – 10 Targets for your own risk assessments

We all recognise and understand that risk assessments are a statutory requirement.

Get in touch

Complete the form to get in touch or via our details below:

Phone
01480 455500
Address

Vinpenta House
High Causeway
Whittlesey
Peterborough
PE7 1AE

By submitting this quote you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.