WHY STRESS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM

NIOSH, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, reports that exposure to stressful working conditions (called job stressors) can have a direct influence on worker safety and health. How can you recognize and deal with employee stress?

NIOSH reports that exposure to stressful working conditions (called job stressors) can have a direct influence on worker safety and health. NIOSH defines job stress as the harmful physical and emotional responses that occur when the requirements of the job do not match the capabilities, resources, or needs of the worker. It cites the following as possible causes of job stress:

• Task Design. Heavy workload, infrequent rest breaks, long work hours and shiftwork; hectic and routine tasks that have little inherent meaning, do not utilize workers' skills, and provide little sense of control.
• Management Style. Lack of participation by workers in decision-making, poor communication in the organization, lack of family-friendly policies.
• Interpersonal Relationships. Poor social environment and lack of support or help from coworkers and supervisors.
• Work Roles. Conflicting or uncertain job expectations, too much responsibility, too many "hats to wear."
• Career Concerns. Job insecurity and lack of opportunity for growth, advancement, or promotion; rapid changes for which workers are unprepared.
• Environmental Conditions. Unpleasant or dangerous physical conditions such as crowding, noise, air pollution, or ergonomic problems.

Stress-related conditions that could affect your workers' compensation claims include:

• Musculoskeletal Disorders
  On the basis of research by NIOSH and many other organizations, many experts believe that job stress increases the risk for development of back and upper- extremity musculoskeletal disorders.
• Psychological Disorders
  Several studies suggest that differences in rates of mental health problems (such as depression and burnout) for various occupations are due partly to differences in job stress levels. (Economic and lifestyle differences between occupations may also contribute to some of these problems.)
• Workplace Injury
  Although more study is needed, there is a growing concern that stressful working conditions interfere with safe work practices and set the stage for injuries at work.

What About Stress Itself? Is it Compensable?

Although the conditions that stress can cause may be compensable, many states specifically exclude mental stress claims from coverage under workers' compensation. In California, regulations dictate that the job must account for at least 51 percent of the stress in order to be covered.

What Can Employers Do to Reduce or Minimize Job-Related Stress

Individuals under stress often display several symptoms. Managers and supervisors can use these as early warning signals of job-related stress:

· Headache

· Sleep disturbances

· Difficulty in concentrating

· Short temper

· Upset stomach

· Job dissatisfaction

· Low morale

Factors that can help to reduce the effects of stressful working conditions include the following:

• Balance between work and family or personal life
• A support network of friends and coworkers
• A relaxed and positive outlook

Employee assistance programs (EAPs) can help workers address stressors in both their work and professional lives. A quality EAP can provide counseling and referrals on a broad range of subjects, including personal problems such as substance abuse, financial problems and family conflicts that can also affect job performance.

For more information on controlling workplace stress and other factors that can influence safety and productivity, please contact the PCOC Insurance Program department of Jenkins Insurance Services at (877) 860-7378 or, email us @ ProPest@Leavitt.com.