Workers face psychological hazards
Yet employers are less likely to tackle the bullying, violence and stress that give rise to psychological trauma, the director of the Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP) Institute, Maurice Quinlan, said.
Mr Quinlan said workplace stress was common across all professions, where previously it had been more widespread within the health services. “Reports going back to the early ’90s record instances of violence against nurses. Psychiatric nurses would be particularly vulnerable. The emergency services also experience a high level of critical incidence stress.”
He said employers could no longer afford to ignore the psychological hazards; they had a legal obligation to look after the welfare of employees.
“Irish business has made great strides in tackling physical hazards, and health and safety is now an integral part of many organisations. However, work stress and workplace bullying and violence are risks that employers have a legal obligation from which to protect their workforce under health and safety and equality legislation.”
Mr Quinlan said employers also needed to be aware of the high incidence of alcohol and substance abuse among workers, as contributing towards psychological stress.
“Studies show that Ireland has the second-highest alcohol consumption rate per capita in the European Community. If society has a high incidence of alcohol and drug abuse, then that has to be reflected in the workplace. This can have a serious effect on productivity.”
Mr Quinlan said it was time for a concerted effort by the social partners to draw up national guidelines to tackle psychological hazards, often regarded as “soft” hazards.
“At the moment, there is a very ad-hoc approach.”
Psychological Hazards at Work is the topic of a two-day conference which takes place in the Stillorgan Park Hotel, Dublin, on September 17 and 18. It is organised by the EAP Institute.
