HSE Practical Guidance on Stress Rehabilitation Published

New research reports on stress prevention and rehabilitation have been published by the HSE, which will help inform the developments of new guidance for managers this Autumn.

'Beacons of Excellence in Stress Prevention' outlines criteria for best practice in stress prevention. These criteria were developed from a literature review of recent research in this area and through expert opinion. The criteria were used to identify organisations that could be considered examples of best practice in various aspects of stress prevention.

'Best Practice in Rehabilitating Employees Following Absence Due to Work-Related Stress' clarifies criteria of current best practice in rehabilitation. The report provides clear and practical steps employers can put in place to encourage employees to return to work and to prevent a recurrence of the initial stress. The case studies in the report cover England, Scotland and Wales, and there is also a section providing specific advice for small and medium-sized companies.

The case studies contained within these research reports will be used to develop guidance to support managers in implementing HSE’s Management Standards, by outlining practical solutions to help them tackle stress at work.

Professor Colin Mackay, Principal Psychologist in HSE’s Human Factors Unit said: “Our feedback from employers dealing with stress is that while they are largely confident that they are able to identify the main sources of stress within their organisations, they find it difficult to know what interventions to put in place to manage them. The new guidance will be a valuable resource for both managers and health and safety professionals.”

Copies of 'Beacons of Excellence in Stress Prevention' (RR133, ISBN 0 7176 2709 8) and 'Best Practice in Rehabilitating Employees Following Absence Due to Work-Related Stress' (RR138, ISBN 0 7176 2715 2), both priced £20 are available in hard copy from HSE Books, tel 01787 881165 or at www.hsebooks.co.uk.

You can also download the two reports for free from the HSE website by following the links at the side of this page.
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