Motor Trade Tackles Stress in Motor Trade

The Health and Safety executive (HSE) and organisations in the motor trade have launched a campaign aimed at reducing stress deriving from work in the motor repair industry.

The HSE Working Minds Campaign has partnered with various motor trade organisations and Ben, a charity that supports employees in the industry. The partnership is looking at ways to prevent stress from work and support those in the motor repair industry who have mental health issues.

Ben reports that during winter, there is a noticeable increase in motor trade workers contacting them about their mental health issues. Ellem Plumer from Ben said:

"Work life balance and high workload are the biggest drivers of workplace stress. If it's not addressed and goes on for a long period of time, it can turn into an issue."

The HSE says that the motor trade has a higher injury rate in the workplace than most industries. Some of thee injuries may be caused by stress which lowers the ability to focus and concentrate. The regulator points out that the law demands that employers protect their employees from stress. Employers address heath and safety by making sure that motor mechanics wear protective workwear but may not be fully aware of how to reduce the causes of stress. The HSE wants all employers to recognise and react to signs of stress and make stress assessments a routine part of workplace safety management.

The HSE Working Minds Campaign provides resources for employers on how to spot and prevent work-related stress:

https://workright.campaign.gov.uk/campaigns/working-minds/