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STRESS – a small word which can have a huge impact on the health and wellbeing of the people around you.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in 2021/22, 1.8 million people in the UK suffered from a stress-related illness, with 914,000 being diagnosed with depression or anxiety.
It’s a big problem, and to mark Stress Awareness Month we’re taking a look at the signs to look out for and the ways in which Acorn Safety Services can support you in the workplace.
It’s time to talk
In a world where technology plays an increasingly significant role in all our lives, it can be easy to lose sight of what’s important.
Simply talking to members of your team regularly and being alert to the signs of stress or anxiety can help to make a big difference, and ensure that members of staff feel safe and supported.
The signs of stress and anxiety can vary from person to person but according to the Stress Management Society symptoms often include:
- Poor judgement
- Inability to concentrate
- Moodiness
- Irritability
- Rapid heartbeat
- Aches and pains
- Isolating yourself
- Sleeping too little or too much
While anyone can have a bad day, if you notice these symptoms appearing regularly in yourself, or a colleague, it could be time to get some extra support.
Looking out for signs of stress in the workplace
Managing stress – and being alert to the signs and symptoms – is an important part of any business’s health and safety toolkit.
It’s also important to remember that employers have a legal obligation to protect their staff from its effects.
The HSE suggests that there are six main areas which can cause stress. These are:
- Demands
- Control
- Support
- Relationships
- Role
- Change
Employers should be alert to these and manage them efficiently.
As a starting point, all businesses should carry out a stress risk assessment as part of their regular health and process. If you less than five employees, this can be informal, but it is recommended you always take notes.
As independent health and safety consultants, Acorn Safety Services can support your business by carrying these out for you.
Acorn Safety Services – always here to help
For business owners and managers, health and safety can be stressful in itself with endless forms to complete and assessments to carry out.
If this sounds like you – please don’t suffer in silence.
As one of the UK’s leading health and safety consultancies, with clients right across the UK, we are perfectly placed to give you the help and support you need, whenever you need it.
The support we offer can be as individual as you are – we offer a range of packages tailored to the needs and demands of your business.
And for those companies who are looking to outsource their health and safety work, we even offer our services as retained consultants, meaning you will never have to worry about your health and safety obligations again.
By working with our highly-skilled and trained consultants, we’ll make sure your health and safety documents and audits are always up to date, giving you complete peace of mind and the time you need to do what you best!
Our friendly team is waiting to take you call so get in touch today and find out more about the range of products and services we offer.
In the meantime, if you are stressed and need urgent help today, you’ll find a range of helpful resources – including links to organisations which can offer professional support on the HSE website.
For all your health and safety needs visit https://acornhealthandsafety.co.uk/ today or contact us at info@acornhealthandsafety.co.uk or on 01604 930380.
