Summary of Responses
The HSC Stress Management Standards consultation ended on 27 August 2004.
HSE employed a web-based approach to the consultation supported by a CDROM available free of charge. The CDROM was distributed through a number of publications selected to impact on key target sectors.
How many responded?
- 995 registered for the online consultation
- 631 responded using the consultation questionnaire of which 575 were completed on line.
- A further 30 collective corporate responses were received by letter or email.
Thank you to all who responded to the consultation. The public consultation is the final stage of the consultation process. The development of the Standards has also been informed by the pilot exercise and a number of ?expert workshops? attended by academics, Occupational Health and HR professionals, Trade Unions and representatives from British industry. Your views on the development of this important work are greatly appreciated and will now be taken into account in the further development of the Stress Management Standards.
What did you think?
From the analysis of the responses, it is clear that the majority of respondents agreed that the states to be achieved under each Standard could potentially be achieved in their workplace.
Around three quarters of respondents thought that some sort of numerical target would be helpful, but were divided on how the target should be presented i.e. an absolute cut off, an aspirational target or a stepped approach. A preference was expressed for an aspirational target promoting continuous improvement.
Organisation Responses
HSE has received corporate responses from 30 organisations including Trades Unions, Employers? Representatives and Individual Companies. All respondents broadly welcome the development of the Standards and agree that stress is an important issue to tackle in the workplace. However, the TUC and unions would prefer to see an Approved Code of Practice supported by rigorous enforcement, while the Employers? Organisations are supportive of a non-legislative approach.
Respondents generally express a concern that too much emphasis is placed upon using surveys as the sole means of assessing the risk of work-related stress and highlight that other methods need to be identified. Some highlight a need for sector specific guidance and separate guidance aimed at SMEs.
Respondents also express general concern about the use of percentages, particularly in the form use for the Management Standards pilot (ie. an absolute cut off). There is a consensus that the most effective approach would be to promote best practice through continuous improvement.
Conclusion
The results of the consultation give broad support to the ?States to be Achieved?. Therefore, HSE is unlikely to change the States significantly ahead of the launch.
However opinion is divided on the use of numerical targets and a proposed non-legislative approach. HSE will continue to work to develop an approach which captures both the need for an indicator of performance and promotes continuous improvement.
A paper detailing four improvement model options was presented to the Health and Safety Commission on 07 September 2004. The paper will be posted on the HSE website when available.
HSE will produce guidance for employers and employees (and their representatives) to support the chosen approach. The guidance will seek to address concerns over the sole use of surveys and will suggest additional indicators. HSE is also working in partnership with Health Scotland to develop guidance for SMEs
The Health and Safety Commission agreed the the final form of the Stress Management Standards http://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/standards/index.htm prior to their launch on 3 November 2004.
This consultation has now closed and the Government's formal response is available.
Consultation Documents
- 1. The draft Management Standards for Tackling Work-related Stress (27Kb)
This document contains the draft Management Standards and the states that would be expected to exist in a work place if the Standard is being achieved
24 May 2004 17:37 - 2. Frequently asked questions (22Kb)
This document contains questions and answers about stress and the Management Standards
24 May 2004 17:37 - 3. Impact Assessment for Proposed Introduction of Management Standards (142Kb)
This document is a Partial Impact Assessment for the introduction of the Management Standards to tackle Work-related Stress
24 May 2004 17:36 - 4. Evaluation of the Management Standards pilot study - Summary (159Kb)
This document contains a summary evaluation of the Management Standards pilot study
24 May 2004 17:36 - 4.1 Evaluation of Management Standards Pilot - Full Report (473Kb)
The full report on the Management Standards Pilot which ran in 2003. A summary report is also included on the website.
09 Jul 2004 11:40 - 5. A new Approach to tackling Work-related Stress(WRS) parts I & II - Publication Statement (26Kb)
This document contains an introduction to two technical papers on the Management Standards, which are to be published in the journal "Work & Stress"
06 Jul 2004 14:07 - 6. WRS in the UK: A new, "Management Standards" approach. Part I - Background. (304Kb)
This paper describes and discusses the rational behind a standards based approach that is essentially based on a method of controlling hazards. HSE’s Management Standards approach uses a taxonomy of six stressors that has evolved out of extensive research carried out on behalf of Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and in conjunction with stakeholders, and a three-phase risk assessment methodology.
26 May 2004 14:36 - 7. WRS in the UK: A new, "Management Standards" approach. Part II - Practical developments (236Kb)
This paper describes the development and validation of stress Management Standards, which essentially afford organisations continuous improvement through a three-phase preventative process, and development of a supporting Indicator Tool.
26 May 2004 14:38 - 9.Consultation Evaluation Criteria (26Kb)
This document contains the criteria that will be used for the analysis of the consultation response.
13 Aug 2004 15:41
Consultation Links
Consultation Summary
| Name | HSE Management Standards for Tackling Work-related Stress |
|---|---|
| Description | This consultation is a key phase in the development of the final Management Standards for tackling work-related stress. It gives you a real opportunity to make sure they are practicable and effective in your workplace. The Standards attempt to capture good management practices and systems. They provide a yardstick against which organisations can measure their progress towards tackling stress effectively. |
| Dates | From 25 May 2004 at 00:00 to 27 Aug 2004 at 23:59. |
| Status | Complete |
| Related Topics - Industries | |
| Related Topics - Hazards | |
| Related Topics - Managing Health & Safety | |
| Contact Details | If you have any general questions on Work-related Stress, in the first instance please contact: Infoline 08701 545 500
|