Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:188 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action he is undertaking to tackle the growing problem of work-related stress. [25506/05]
View answerWednesday, 28 September 2005
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Written answers
The Health and Safety Authority, in partnership with the British Health and Safety Executive, HSE, and Health Scotland have developed Work Positive, an audit tool with guidance materials for in-house application. Work Positive is a comprehensive risk management tool that incorporates a risk assessment template covering the known causes of workplace stress. It provides a step-by-step guide to assessing risks of stress, outlining the aims of each step and thereby helping managers eliminate these risk factors in their organisation.
The authority is currently working on a cross-Border programme in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland, HSENI, using Work Positive in eight companies, with the aim of reducing stress at work. The authority also continues to provide expert advice and assistance to organisations regarding work related stress.
The Health and Safety Authority expects every employer to conduct risk assessments for health and safety hazards, including work-related stress, where appropriate, in accordance with the requirements of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
It is important that the risk assessment includes consulting with employees and their representatives to identify problem areas, taking action to address these problems in partnership with employees and their representatives, and a commitment to review action plans.