ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on an approach which the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has developed to manage workplace stress, namely the 'Management Standards'. It provides managers of Health Professions with practical advice to help them develop a 'suitable and sufficient' risk assessment for stress using the HSE Management Standards as a framework. The management standards provide a framework to help develop a risk assessment for stress. There is a programme of education and training available for managers and staff to increase awareness of what stress is and its consequences if not properly managed. Work is underway with organisations from five sectors that report the highest levels of workplace stress. The West Dorset case was the catalyst that enabled Hinchingbrooke's Chief Executive Officer to call for urgent action on stress management, with the enthusiastic support of trade unions and staff. Hinchingbrooke's employee assistance programme provider was asked to report on work related issues that were contributing to stress.
