Stress at Work

In compliance with current legislation, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) is committed to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of all employees. As well as maintaining safe and healthy working environments, HFRS provides a range of support mechanisms in order to manage the adverse effects of stress.

We recognise that you may face stress as a result of work or from issues arising in your personal life (or a combination of both). We acknowledge that whilst some stress is beneficial, too much may be harmful to health and have an adverse effect on employees and the organisation.

You have a duty to take care of your own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by your activities at work. This means you must make a positive contribution to managing your own stress levels.

Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare will do whatever is practicable to provide support and assistance including arranging counselling, if appropriate. Confidentiality is guaranteed and you will be treated with dignity and respect.

Further information may be found in Service Orders 8/8/1 and 8/8/2. The confidentiality charter is Appendix B of SO8/4/1 and SO 8/8/1.

Your Legal Responsibilities

Each of us has a responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of ourselves and others while at work.

Acknowledging that stress from either a work or home situation, or a combination of the two, can affect the way we work is the first step to addressing any problem; the second is to talk to your manager and make them aware so that they can be supportive and assist wherever possible.

Where to go for Help or Advice

If you feel you cannot discuss a particular problem with your manager, consider the other support mechanisms provided, a confidential counselling service (see the section on "Where to go for Help or Advice"), HR and the Occupational Health and Welfare department. Your GP or trade union representative may also be able to help.

"Each of us has a responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of ourselves and others while at work"