IB-8 Psycho-Social Agents

Question 0

identify the range of sources an employer could use to determine the extent of employee work related stress

Answer 0

sickness absence / productivity / appraisals / discipline procedures / return to work & exit interviews / health surveillance / accident data / staff turnover / working hours & time keeping / staff questionnaires / informal discussions / discussions at safety committees and team meetings / UK HSE management stress standard as a bench mark

Question 1

outline the physical,mental & social effects of stress at work

Answer 1

physical - increase heart rate & blood pressure resulting in headaches. long term - heart disease and hypertension./ mucle tension and increased sweating

mental - loss of self confidence & self esteem leading to depression / mental processing can become difficult and struggle to make simple decisions / ability to control emissions - may become withdrawn or suffer mood swings or prone to aggression

social - socially withdrawn / turn to alcohol, prescription drugs or non prescription drugs / increase in absenteeism / family breakdown

Question 2

outline appropriate procedures to minimise the risk of violence to local authority employees required to make official visits to peoples homes

Answer 2

risk assessment / policy & local procedures / information about the associated risks / training / communication equipment - logging routes / avoid lone working / client vetting - notes kept on violent clients / reporting procedures / emergency procedures / valuables not to be taken in / avoid loose clothing and easy grab items / parking - a clear visible area / diffusing agression

Question 3

what are the 7 major causes of stress at work

Answer 3

1. unreasonable pace of work - deadlines, resources & support
2. lack of control of work
3. inadequate management support
4. demanding work schedules
5. feeling of isolation
6. bulling & harassment
7. physical work environment factors

Question 4

what are the 5 key areas covered in the UK HSE management standards for stress (organistaional standards)

Answer 4

1. demands - work overload / physical environment / threat of violence & public interface
2. control
3. support
4. role
5. change
6. relationships

Question 5

outline the meaning of the term work related violence

Answer 5

any incident in which a person is assaulted, threatened, harmed or injured in the course of their work