Stress Risk Assessment and OH ReferralsPresented byJean Fisher

DirectorThe OH Business

www.theohbusiness.co.uk

Introduction• Jean Fisher-OH Nurse for 30 Years.• Consultancy business owner.• I teach managers how to reduce absence.• You will learn how to manage employee stress

issues effortlessly• Understand how simple key actions will make

a difference.• Absence will reduce.

What is Stress?

• Stress occurs due to prolonged periods of pressure without time to recover.

• Inappropriate flight or flight response.• Cortisol and adrenaline released into blood.• Damage to the body is the result.

What can you do?

• Begin to make small changes.• Become more self aware of communication

with your team.• Use stress risk assessment as a tool.• Weave this into your management of people.• Team meetings/appraisals/generally.• Try to identify what causes your team stress.• Create 5 minute communication channels.

Stress risk assessment tool

• If stress at work notified investigate at once.• It is the same as an accident at work.• Stress risk assessment is the tool to use.• HSE management standards great.. but wordy.• Use your own style to manage conversations.• It’s the discussion which matters.

Purpose of the Tool.

• Evaluate the job…...not the employee.• An objective assessment.• Helps to clarify misconceptions.• Is job description clear and accurate?• Coaching of staff/performance/training• Create an Action plan.• Making staff feel heard.

OH Referrals.

• OH is the branch of medicine concerned with the diseases of occupations and fitness for work.

• Stress is the new epidemic. • Refer early!! Don’t wait for the sick note!!• Refer for frequent short term absence.• If any significant diagnosis refer immediately• If any performance concerns ? Health related.• Before any disciplinary.

The Report will Include

• Answers to your questions…make sure you ask• Return to work timescales.• Advice on capability despite medical condition

being present.• Timescales for recovery of condition.• If the Equality Act likely/not likely to apply• Advice on reasonable adjustments.• Whether the employee may have further absences.

Summary

• Use stress risk assessment approach on a daily basis.• Ask OH for opinion on capability and fitness for

work.• OH can provide information to help you to manage

employee.• You will get clear actionable advice in the report.• You are not reliant on GP opinion medicalising

absence and focussing on disability.• OH can only advise….. management must decide.

Learn More…..

• www.theohbusiness.co.uk• Twitter @theohbusiness• Facebook.com/theohbusiness• https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jeanfisher• Jean.fisher@theohbusiness.co.uk• Mobile 07864 006850