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06/08/2003
Stressed workers '25% more likely' to suffer heart attack
Workers exposed to stress for at least half their working lives are 25% more likely to die from a heart attack, and have 50% higher odds of suffering a fatal stroke, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has warned.
According to the latest issue of TUC backed Hazards magazine, blue-collar workers are more prone to such illnesses than executives.
The TUC's research indicates that stress is Britain’s number one workplace health hazard, its worldwide measure – the 'modern workers health check' – found that employees are being "worked into the ground".
An individual’s mental health deteriorates when a change in workload results in higher demands, less control and reduced support, the TUC says. Poor management planning and organisation can also lead to heart disease.
Workers are smoking, drinking and ‘slobbing out’ to deal with workplace stress, the research concludes.
Brendan Barber, TUC General Secretary, said: "Stress at work is cutting workers’ lives short. This enormous strain on individuals and society will only end when we tackle the causes of stress such as overwork and the long-hours culture The UK needs a workforce that works well and stays well."
US stress researcher Paul Landsbergis also claimed that long-term stress at work was "far more likely" on the shopfloor than in the boardroom.
Mr Landsbergis said: "If you are experiencing the effects of job stress the symptoms are not ‘all in your head’, but are your body’s way of telling you’re your job is out of kilter. And this stress can, literally, break your heart."
(GMcG)
According to the latest issue of TUC backed Hazards magazine, blue-collar workers are more prone to such illnesses than executives.
The TUC's research indicates that stress is Britain’s number one workplace health hazard, its worldwide measure – the 'modern workers health check' – found that employees are being "worked into the ground".
An individual’s mental health deteriorates when a change in workload results in higher demands, less control and reduced support, the TUC says. Poor management planning and organisation can also lead to heart disease.
Workers are smoking, drinking and ‘slobbing out’ to deal with workplace stress, the research concludes.
Brendan Barber, TUC General Secretary, said: "Stress at work is cutting workers’ lives short. This enormous strain on individuals and society will only end when we tackle the causes of stress such as overwork and the long-hours culture The UK needs a workforce that works well and stays well."
US stress researcher Paul Landsbergis also claimed that long-term stress at work was "far more likely" on the shopfloor than in the boardroom.
Mr Landsbergis said: "If you are experiencing the effects of job stress the symptoms are not ‘all in your head’, but are your body’s way of telling you’re your job is out of kilter. And this stress can, literally, break your heart."
(GMcG)
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Workplace racism is ‘damaging’ careers, TUC claims
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Surge In Older Workers Doing Unpaid Overtime
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Surge In Older Workers Doing Unpaid Overtime
The proportion of employees in their late 50s and early 60s working unpaid overtime has increased sharply in the last decade - despite a fall in unpaid hours for the rest of the workforce - according to a new TUC analysis published today to mark Work Your Proper Hours Day.
16 May 2003
TUC calls for more rights for temps
The TUC has claimed that the "unregulated and fragmented" market in the UK has allowed recruitment agencies to exploit temporary workers.
TUC calls for more rights for temps
The TUC has claimed that the "unregulated and fragmented" market in the UK has allowed recruitment agencies to exploit temporary workers.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
