buildingWORKER_A4_Spring24_17.qxp_Unite_NewsweekStyle 21/02/2024 14:37 Page 19


Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians


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Employers have a legal duty to protect workers from stress at work by doing a risk assessment and acting on it


Rob Miguel, Unite health and safety adviser


What’s needed Addressing the issues above requires extensive discussion between trade unions and employers, including clients in order that effective agreements are in place that lead to the absolute best working conditions and pay.


As for tackling mental health and workplace stress head on, there are two intricately connected issues. Quality support for mental health problems incorporating the factors that contribute to ill health, and prevention of workplace stress.


Employers are obligated to initiate support services such as employee assistance programmes, which have varying degrees of actual support, and conduct risk assessments and preventative measure associated with workplace stress or more widely psychosocial hazards.


Mental health support for workers and reps


Companies must provide their workers with access to counselling and mental health services through initiatives such as Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) and other resources to connect workers with mental health professionals. Supervisors should be trained to recognise signs of mental distress and to handle such situations with empathy and support.


Unite has provided an array of educational courses for reps and developed guidance which has assisted reps and members.


PRC: Private Consultant Unite reps have reported that colleagues are approaching them much more frequently to talk about mental health issues and ask for information


19 Unite buildingWORKER Spring 2024


and support. It is acknowledged that reps themselves are under immense pressure and as a result a support and assistance facility is being offered to Unite reps.


This service is offered as a Unite reps’ assistance programme. Please phone 0808 196 2016.


Workplace stress risk assessments Employers have a legal duty to protect workers from stress at work by doing a risk assessment and acting on it. Employers should assess the risk of stress, and its impact on mental and physical ill-health, in the same way as you assess other work-related health and safety risks.


An ideal way forward is to utilise the HSE stress manage-ment standards. More can be found on their web site www.hse.gov.uk/stress/standards


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