Workers face psychological hazards

WORKERS are more likely to face psychological rather than physical hazards at work, according to employee stress support services.

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.”