Working together for Risk Prevention

This year The Campaign is “Working Together for Risk Prevention.”

Generally when we think of risk prevention, we immediately picture “Safe Pass” courses and safety around machinery or chemicals. Risks of mental and physical stress are just as real, however, and can have significant business impacts. We can work together to alleviate these risks, too, though.

In 2002, nearly one in three of Europe's workers—more than 40 million people—reported being affected by stress at work. It's responsible for millions of lost working days and countless hours of decreased productivity every year. The figures speak for themselves, but far too many victims suffer in silence and too many companies don't realise the extent to which stress can affect their business performance.

Which leads one to ask:

• How employers and employees work together to prevent stress—thereby reducing risk—in the workplace?
• What resources are available to help with this?
• How will this impact the business? What’s the ROI?

Mindwell’s monthly or weekly programmes such as on-site chair massage or health awareness and relaxation workshops catered for the workplace encourage better communication between employer and employee while increasing productivity and morale. More and more companies are taking advantage of the benefits of onsite programmes like this, with different options including companies covering the cost of once-off or yearly events, and subsidised programmes for a more regular service.

This really encourages employee and employer relationships and brings about a healthy working environment where both parties are responsible for their part in maintaining a healthy working environment. Ultimately, all individuals are responsible for their own health; however, when stress (and thereby, risk) reduction at work is encouraged, everybody benefits.

Roisin Walsh

Business Development and Human Resources