5. Action to tackle work-related stress

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The role of safety reps

The UNISON public services union’s Bargaining on mental health policies guide says safety reps have an important role in examining employers’ stress risk assessments and deciding whether they are suitable and sufficient.

“The essential feature of risk assessments is that they are systematic and thorough, looking at what happens in real workplaces, not what employers believe should happen,” it says.

To ensure that risk assessments are adequate, safety reps should consider:

• Talking to people who do the jobs and have practical understanding of the hazards and risks involved;

• Observing what happens by inspecting the premises;

• Checking the written assessment and plans to ensure that all the risks are being covered. There should be a clear strategy to improve health and safety;

• Checking that it’s clear who is responsible for implementing the action;

• Challenging shortcomings; and

• Agreeing priorities for action with the employer.