OHS practices - Hazards

Stress

Stress at work is often reflected in the private lives of employees. Coping with stress can take a variety of forms from legal prescriptions or socially acceptable drugs, eg alcohol, to relaxation techniques.

Some jobs are organised so that stress is very hard to avoid, eg shift work, outwork and work with regular and/or extended overtime.

A number of other factors can contribute to stress, these include:

• noise
• workplace climate
• heat and cold stress
• over-exertion and repetitious work
• effects of chemicals on the body.

Stress at home can affect the situation in the workplace.

Common problems which can affect an employee’s performance at work are:

• emotional problems
• differences with interpersonal relationships
• financial worries
• alcohol problems
• drug misuse.

Unchecked, these problems can cause work problems such as:

• absenteeism
• staff friction and conflict
• non-productivity
• high staff turnover
• lateness
• accidents.