OH&S Resources
Workplace stress project
Workplace stress is the biggest emerging threat to employee health, and is estimated to cost Australia more than $7 billion each year. According to a 2006 VicHealth report*, the harmful physical and emotional consequences of workplace stress results from a mismatch between the job requirements and the capabilities or the needs of the worker. (*Workplace Stress in Victoria: Developing a Systems Approach). Too much stress can have an adverse affect on your physical and psychological health, such as:
Short Term
- Irritability
- exhaustion
- lack of job satisfaction
- increased smoking
- increased drinking
- more short-term illnesses
- strained relationships at home
Long Term
- lowered immunity
- digestive disorders
- muscular pain
- depression
- anxiety
- cardiovascular disease
- burn-out
- isolation
Stress is not all in the mind. Too much stress can cause long-term damage or a life-threatening illness. Stress prevention leads to a healthier workplace and healthier workers.
What Can You Do About It?
Under the OHS Act 2004 the employer must provide a healthy and safe workplace, and this responsibility extends to psychological health. A proactive approach that focuses on a healthy workplace benefits everyone. In 2009, the Australian Services Union, Victorian Private Sector Branch, received funding to work with organisations to address workplace stress before it takes a toll. As a result, a series of guides for workers, employers and the support person have been developed, which you can download below. We will also continue to work in collaboration with organisations to develop an approach that is consistent with good OHS practice.
Download the worker's stress guide
