New Evidence That Rise in Workers’ Stress Levels is Harming Productivity
New Survey Says Stress at Work is Increasing; Risk Management Company Claims That Economic Factors and Fear Are Leading to Increased Levels of Stress; Evidence Clearly Links Stress to Physical Symptoms and Workplace Injury
London, United Kingdom, May 23, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Increased levels of stress among workers will inflict lasting damage on companies’ productivity, according to Cardinus Risk Management.
But Cardinus believes that the clear links between stress and the physical symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) mean that they can all be managed effectively through ergonomic risk management.
Proposed European health and safety legislation will bring together several ergonomic risk factors in a single directive, including psychosocial factors like stress and work pressure. These factors should be considered in risk assessments, says Cardinus, to help prevent long term effects on staff well-being, productivity and organisations’ reputation.
Jon Abbott, managing director – ergonomics and safety at Cardinus Risk Management, said, “Research into the links between psychosocial factors and work-related injuries has been going on since the 1970s and the evidence is widely accepted. Back in 2007 psychologist and Cardinus consultant Rick Spencer compiled a 20-page report on this evidence. Rick’s report confirms that many specialists, experts and academics have found links between stress and physical injuries. Examples range from overwork, poor working practices and the build-up of tension, through to the reluctance to report injuries.
“Since then, stress levels among workers have continued to rise. Economic effects, such as lack of job security and increased workload could see stress at an all-time high. That’s why we feel that the EU proposal to consider work-related stress, or 'wellness,' as part of an ergonomic risk assessment is a good idea.”
Reduced staffing levels leading to greater pressures on remaining staff and a lack of job security has resulted in one in four workers experiencing more stress now than a year ago. These findings come from a poll conducted by Electoral Form Research.
Ergonomics is a discipline that considers three main factors: tasks, environment and people. In considering people’s ability to carry out a task safely and efficiently, psychological and social factors need to be examined. Any individual suffering psychological or social pressure will have their ability to perform affected.
Given the clear evidence showing how ergonomic risk management can help improve productivity through reduced absenteeism, fewer work-related injuries and improved staff health, well-being and morale, the benefits of including psychosocial factors in ergonomic assessments are obvious, says Cardinus.
Cardinus has been developing effective ergonomics programmes for more than 12 years. Its customers include many of the world’s leading organisations, central government departments and unions.
The Cardinus approach to effective ergonomic management is to apply simple programmes that provide a modular, adaptable solution. Workstation Safety Plus, the innovative online DSE assessment and e-learning solution, provides award-winning solutions that are fully endorsed by the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management.
Cardinus provides on-site and telephonic DSE assessments and, when needed, will supply DSE triage and case management solutions.
For more information about ergonomic risk management services and other Cardinus products telephone 020 7469 0200.
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Notes to Editors
Cardinus directors, experts and consultants are available for interview and quotes on industry issues. The full range of Cardinus consultancy services can be seen on its website, www.cardinus.com or you can telephone 0207 469 0200 (UK) 1-866-966-3420 (US).
About Cardinus
Cardinus is a member company of THB Group plc and provides online injury reduction solutions and risk management within the safety, fleet and property sectors.
Established in 1995, Cardinus has an enviable track record of working with government and leading blue chip organizations. Cardinus provides solutions to customers across the United Kingdom, the US and worldwide. Solutions include 'Workstation Safety Plus' a software solution designed to reduce the risks associated with using DSE and ergonomics; a comprehensive fleet risk solution that combines in-vehicle driver training with online self-assessment; property solutions including fire risk surveys, asbestos assessment and a range of e-learning courses. Cardinus Environmental provides a range of services, including Environmental Essentials.
Cardinus Risk Management Limited, Phoenix House, Cantelupe Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 3BE. Cardinus Risk Management Limited, 10 Flag Business Exchange, Vicarage Farm Road, Peterborough, Cambs PE1 5SL. For further information please call Cardinus Risk Management Limited on 020 7469 0200 or email info@cardinus.com
But Cardinus believes that the clear links between stress and the physical symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) mean that they can all be managed effectively through ergonomic risk management.
Proposed European health and safety legislation will bring together several ergonomic risk factors in a single directive, including psychosocial factors like stress and work pressure. These factors should be considered in risk assessments, says Cardinus, to help prevent long term effects on staff well-being, productivity and organisations’ reputation.
Jon Abbott, managing director – ergonomics and safety at Cardinus Risk Management, said, “Research into the links between psychosocial factors and work-related injuries has been going on since the 1970s and the evidence is widely accepted. Back in 2007 psychologist and Cardinus consultant Rick Spencer compiled a 20-page report on this evidence. Rick’s report confirms that many specialists, experts and academics have found links between stress and physical injuries. Examples range from overwork, poor working practices and the build-up of tension, through to the reluctance to report injuries.
“Since then, stress levels among workers have continued to rise. Economic effects, such as lack of job security and increased workload could see stress at an all-time high. That’s why we feel that the EU proposal to consider work-related stress, or 'wellness,' as part of an ergonomic risk assessment is a good idea.”
Reduced staffing levels leading to greater pressures on remaining staff and a lack of job security has resulted in one in four workers experiencing more stress now than a year ago. These findings come from a poll conducted by Electoral Form Research.
Ergonomics is a discipline that considers three main factors: tasks, environment and people. In considering people’s ability to carry out a task safely and efficiently, psychological and social factors need to be examined. Any individual suffering psychological or social pressure will have their ability to perform affected.
Given the clear evidence showing how ergonomic risk management can help improve productivity through reduced absenteeism, fewer work-related injuries and improved staff health, well-being and morale, the benefits of including psychosocial factors in ergonomic assessments are obvious, says Cardinus.
Cardinus has been developing effective ergonomics programmes for more than 12 years. Its customers include many of the world’s leading organisations, central government departments and unions.
The Cardinus approach to effective ergonomic management is to apply simple programmes that provide a modular, adaptable solution. Workstation Safety Plus, the innovative online DSE assessment and e-learning solution, provides award-winning solutions that are fully endorsed by the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management.
Cardinus provides on-site and telephonic DSE assessments and, when needed, will supply DSE triage and case management solutions.
For more information about ergonomic risk management services and other Cardinus products telephone 020 7469 0200.
###
Notes to Editors
Cardinus directors, experts and consultants are available for interview and quotes on industry issues. The full range of Cardinus consultancy services can be seen on its website, www.cardinus.com or you can telephone 0207 469 0200 (UK) 1-866-966-3420 (US).
About Cardinus
Cardinus is a member company of THB Group plc and provides online injury reduction solutions and risk management within the safety, fleet and property sectors.
Established in 1995, Cardinus has an enviable track record of working with government and leading blue chip organizations. Cardinus provides solutions to customers across the United Kingdom, the US and worldwide. Solutions include 'Workstation Safety Plus' a software solution designed to reduce the risks associated with using DSE and ergonomics; a comprehensive fleet risk solution that combines in-vehicle driver training with online self-assessment; property solutions including fire risk surveys, asbestos assessment and a range of e-learning courses. Cardinus Environmental provides a range of services, including Environmental Essentials.
Cardinus Risk Management Limited, Phoenix House, Cantelupe Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 3BE. Cardinus Risk Management Limited, 10 Flag Business Exchange, Vicarage Farm Road, Peterborough, Cambs PE1 5SL. For further information please call Cardinus Risk Management Limited on 020 7469 0200 or email info@cardinus.com
Contact
Cardinus Risk Mangement Ltd
Martyn Moore
+44 7768 261276
www.northlightmedia.co.uk
Martyn Moore
+44 7768 261276
www.northlightmedia.co.uk
Contact
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