EMPLOYERS are generally well aware of their duties to protect the physical health of their employees, but tend to be unsure about their obligations when it comes to safeguarding their mental well-being.
This is according to Steve Horrocks, the man in charge of Bolton and Bury Chamber's health and safety advice and consultancy service.
He said: "It is estimated that 30 to 40 per cent of all absence from work is attributable to some form of mental or emotional disturbance.
"If workplace stress is causing health problems, the employer has a legal duty to consider such factors in its health surveillance.
"Failure to monitor employees' mental well-being will result in employees contravening Health and Safety at Work regulations."
For help and advice in dealing with stress at work, contact Steve Horrocks at the Chamber on 01204 374690.
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