What if your workplace “fails” the MOT?

The TUC advises reps to write up a report for safety reps, the union branch, safety committee or a meeting with management, including the stress map. The report could include:

• the percentage of people who believed that stress levels were unacceptable, and how many have the symptoms of stress;

• using each heading of the “what makes you stressed at work” section, set out which stressors got the highest number of “5s”. These are the main problems that managers need to address;

• a draft action plan (with a realistic timetable for implementation) on how you think excessive workplace stress should be tackled to present to your employer;

• a request for a working group to be set up to do this work. Make sure the group itself has a deadline for agreeing the action plan;

• a request to the employer to fulfil their duty to assess the main risks and make sure that safety reps are consulted on the risk assessment process and action plan; and

• a request for the employer to provide training for managers and employees on dealing with workplace stress and its victims.

The RMT has recently launched a stress MOT.