Introduction Work-related mental illnesses are becoming one of the major causes of occupational illness and work years lost. Exposure to stressors can be both work-related and non-work related. The Oil & Gas Health Committee of OGP/IPIECA has decided to issue a brouchure on this subject. Definitions The term "Stress" will be used as the overall description of the subject. The term "Stressor" is used to label pressures or demands that are known to have the ability to cause distress. The term "Distress" is used to label a set of bodily, behavioral, and emotional reactions in response to issues or events that we perceive as challenging or dangerous. Origins of distress Distress resulting from non work-related causes is quite common and will have an impact in the workplace. Conversely, distress resulting from work related causes will have an impact at home. Stressors are ubiquitous across every facet of our lives and it is difficult to isolate one group without recognizing and accounting for the others. Stressors are interactive and interdependent and this is an important fact that needs to be recognized. Within any occupation there may be a multitude of stressors and each employee will respond in a different way to these stressors. Examples of some main work related stressors:lack of controltime/deadline pressurepoor relationshipsexcessive travellack of consultation/communicationwork overloadunderstaffingorganizational changethreat of redundancy The effects of stressors Distress is frequently related to an imbalance between the pressures being exerted and the resources of the individual. When pressures and demands rise, the way individuals think, feel and behave is altered. As a result, changes in physiological functions occur and if unresolved can lead to health problems. However, people tend to perform better when under a moderate amount of demands or pressure The signs of distress Many of the outward signs of distress in individuals should be noticeable to managers and colleagues although in some cases the signs will not be obvious. Look in particular for changes in a person's behaviour, such as deteriorating relationships with colleagues, irritability, indecisiveness, absenteeism or reduced performance. Prevention Most of the things that can be done to prevent distress are a product of good management. Basically, one should be looking out for pressures that could negatively impact people and then intervene to ensure people are not harmed. Educate yourself on what causes distress in the workplace and actively work to minimize those things within your control.
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