UK businesses and their directors are increasingly at risk of prosecution if they do not tackle the issue of stress at work, says Norwich Union.
UK businesses and their directors are increasingly at risk of prosecution if they do not tackle the issue of stress at work, says Norwich Union.
Following the latest Trades Union Congress findings about stress and overwork across the country prompting the TUC to call for companies to create healthier workplaces - businesses should understand that they are both losing money and making themselves legally vulnerable.
Teresa Budworth, training and consultancy manager for Norwich Union Risk Services, said: "There is a growing pressure from the Health and Safety Executive to take action against companies which are not taking the issue of stress at work seriously.
"In addition, stress-related absence is costing the UK economy Ł370 million per year*. For many businesses, it means that a significant proportion of their revenue is paying for accidents at work.
"Tackling this problem begins with businesses accepting that stress management is one of their key responsibilities, which needs a planned approach.
"This begins with conducting a comprehensive risk assessment programme to identify the present hazards. Then, the business needs to prioritise risks and implement controls to minimise their exposure.
"Such measures can include improved working methods, physical precautions in the case of hazardous environments, training to enhance the competence of staff and an on-going monitoring programme."
Media contact:
Jon Clements at Staniforth Communications on 0161 274 0100 or Liz Kennett at Norwich Union on 08703 666863/07801 901666.
Notes to editors
* Foreword to Health and well-being in the workplace: a directors' guide, Institute of Directors.
Norwich Union Insurance is the UK's largest insurer with a market share of around 16% and is more than 1.5 times the size of its nearest rival. It is also the largest personal lines insurer.
It has a focus on insurance for individuals and small businesses. It insures:
- one in five households
- one in five motor vehicles
- more than 700,000 businesses
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