Health & Wellbeing Campaign October 2017
The latest hub health and wellbeing campaign has been developed to provide information and give examples of best practice within the industry.
Health and Wellbeing is recognised as a crucial element in the development of a safe and fit workforce. The Office for National Statistics, have estimated that 137 million working days were lost in 2016 due to sickness absence. This campaign will concentrate on three individual areas of concern. We kick off in October with Occupational Fatigue, into November we deal with Stress and finish in December when we consider Occupational Cancers.
Each subject will be accompanied by posters, useful links, information sheets, toolbox talks and quizzes to help inform and check understanding.
The latest hub health and wellbeing campaign has been developed to provide information and give examples of best practice within the industry.
Health and Wellbeing is recognised as a crucial element in the development of a safe and fit workforce. The Office for National Statistics, have estimated that 137 million working days were lost in 2016 due to sickness absence. This campaign will concentrate on three individual areas of concern. We kick off in October with Occupational Fatigue, into November we deal with Stress and finish in December when we consider Occupational Cancers.
Each subject will be accompanied by posters, useful links, information sheets, toolbox talks and quizzes to help inform and check understanding.
Month 3, Dec 2017 - Occupational Cancer
What is ‘Occupational Cancer’?
Cancer can be caused by substances, or mixtures of substances, called 'carcinogens’. Occupational cancer is caused by significant exposure to carcinogens in the workplace, often over a prolonged period.
The causes of cancer (carcinogens) are many and varied. They can be solid substances, liquids, mixtures, vapours, gases, dusts or even radiation. Without adequate control, you can be affected by breathing them in, absorbing them through the skin and accidental swallowing.
There is usually a considerable period of time (often more than 10 years and up to 40 or 50 years) between these exposures and any ill-health symptoms developing.
Occupational Cancer and the Construction Industry
The construction industry has long been responsible for the greatest number of fatalities and major injuries when compared with other industrial sectors. The latest figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show that for 2015/16 there were 43 fatal injuries to workers in construction. The industry accounts for 27% of a year’s fatal accidents to employees and 10% of major injuries. Consequently and correctly, there has been enormous effort and emphasis by legislators, law enforcers and organisations to stem the number of people being killed or seriously injured through accidents on construction sites all over the UK.
However, this may have led to an oversight of the importance, scope and scale of health issues in construction — in particular cancer. According to the HSE, each year around 4% of workers in construction suffer from a work-related illness including cancer. Around 70,000 workers report an illness each year and over a million working days are lost each year in construction due to work-related illnesses.
Every year more working days are lost in construction to work-related illness than injuries caused by accidents.
The facts:
The Big Six
1. Asbestos
Asbestos, the biggest cause of death among construction workers, affects a range of trades and activities. This includes plumbers, electricians, and demolition and refurbishment workers. None of these are dedicated asbestos professionals —their exposure to asbestos is incidental or accidental.
2. Silica
Exposure to silica is the second biggest killer of construction workers after asbestos. Silica is commonly present on construction sites. It is found in varying amounts in most rocks, sand and clay. For example, sandstone contains more than 70% silica, whereas granite might contain 15–30%. Silica is also a major constituent of common construction materials such as bricks, tiles, concrete and mortar. Respirable silica dust can be generated through processes such as cutting, drilling and sanding. Heavy and prolonged exposure to silica can cause lung cancer and other serious respiratory diseases. In addition to the risks from lung cancer, silica is also linked to other serious lung diseases such as silicosis, which can cause severe breathing problems and lung infections.
Exposure to silica can also result in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a group of lung diseases including bronchitis and emphysema. It results in severe breathlessness, prolonged coughing and chronic disability. It can be very disabling and is a leading cause of death. Around 4000 deaths are estimated annually due to COPD resulting from past workplace exposures. Construction workers are a significant at risk group within this.
3. Diesel emissions
Diesel engine exhaust emissions can also cause cancer. Exhaust emissions from diesel engines are made up of a complex mixture of gases, vapours, liquid aerosols and soot particles, which can be damaging physically. Exposure to harmful diesel fume emissions on construction sites is likely to be from generators and heavy vehicles such as construction lorries, excavators or telehandlers. The more significant risks are linked to longer periods of work with this equipment in enclosed spaces or situations.
Breathing diesel fumes can cause a number of ill health effects. Short-term exposure may cause eye or respiratory irritation. Longer periods of exposure can lead to coughing, chestiness and breathlessness. Exposure to blue or black exhaust smoke is in particular linked to lung cancer and other respiratory diseases. There is also evidence that repeated exposure to diesel fumes over many years can increase the risk of lung cancer.
4. Painting
Painting work has also been linked to a significant number of cancer deaths. Painting can involve activities such as sanding, filling and painting, and can lead to exposure to hazardous substances such as asbestos, solvents, lead and resins. HSE-commissioned research has identified painters and decorators as a significant “at risk” group within the construction industry. This group of workers are more prone to cancer of the lung, bladder and stomach.
5. The sun
Skin cancers can be caused by exposure to solar radiation and some hazardous substances and the HSE has identified construction workers as a significant “at risk” group. Skin cancer can be caused by ultraviolet radiation from natural sunlight and construction workers are at risk because of the amount of time they spend outside, and often because of poor working practices such as removing shirts and tops.
6. Hazardous substances
Some chemicals can also cause skin cancer. The most significant to construction workers have been Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) from products containing coal tar/pitch. These risks are now significantly reduced as petroleum-based alternatives to coal tars are now used.
What are the symptoms?
It can take many years for symptoms of cancer to be noticeable and these usually differ depending on the type of cancer. It’s not possible to list all the symptoms that could be caused by every type of cancer, but some common symptoms include:
• fever
• general weakness
• weight loss
• loss of appetite
• fatigue
• anxiety
• muscle aches/unexplained pain
• shortness of breath (lung related cancers)
• persistent cough or hoarseness
• difficulty in swallowing
• altered bowel habits
• lump somewhere on the body
• night sweats
• reddish, scaly patchy skin
• abnormal bleeding
Control Measures
Thousands of people die each year from cancer due to occupational causes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 20-30 per cent of males and 5-20 per cent of females in the working-age population could have been exposed to an occupational lung cancer risk during their working lives. Therefore, it's important to correctly identify carcinogens used in the workplace and put adequate control measure in place to reduce the risk of exposure and harm. This can be achieved by:
Risk Management Programmes
Control of carcinogens should sit with your risk management process. There are several ways of conduction risk assessments, but it's essential that the process you use identifies the risks and those who might be harmed and that control measures are put in place to reduce the risk of harm.
It’s important to follow the requirements in the regulations and associated guidance documents relating to the particular carcinogen you are using. The Approved Code of Practice for COSHH contains a lot of useful guidance on how to comply with the regulations.
Health surveillance under the supervision of a medical practitioner might be required for employees who are, or who are likely to be, exposed to substances that are hazardous to health. Health surveillance helps employers and employees detect any signs of ill health at an early stage and reduce exposure to substances if there’s a problem. It also allows the employer to determine whether the controls put in place are working.
Under the various regulations regarding carcinogens, employers have a duty to provide employees who may be exposed to a hazardous substance with information, instruction and training on the possible risks to health, and the precautions and control measures they should take. This should cover specific signs and symptoms to be aware of. Employees should be advised to report any problems and taught how to conduct self examinations for symptoms linked to the carcinogen they are using.
The effect of some carcinogens can be increased by other factors such as smoking or drinking, so it could be beneficial to provide information on healthy lifestyles, such as giving up smoking, eating healthily and being more active.
Other Useful Links-
Breath Freely - Controlling exposures to prevent occupational lung disease in construction
http://breathefreely.org.uk/breathefreelyconstruction.html
IOSH – Working together to beat Occupational Cancer
http://www.notimetolose.org.uk/
HSE – Occupational Cancer in Construction guidance
http://www.hse.gov.uk/cancer/
HSE – Asbestos Essentials
http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/index.htm
Highways England - Raising the Bar: Occupational Cancers
http://assets.highways.gov.uk/our-road-network/major-projects-delivery-hub-health-%26-safety-action-group/HSE%20Occupational%20Cancers%20Oct%2013%20Chris%20Lucas.pdf
Construction Dust Partnership –To raise awareness within the construction industry about lung diseases related to hazardous workplace dust and to promote good practice to prevent these diseases, particularly for those undertaking high risk tasks
https://www.citb.co.uk/health-safety-and-other-topics/health-safety/construction-dust-partnership/
Health in Construction Leadership Group – To unite the construction industry in order to eradicate the ill health and disease caused by exposures to health hazards on building sites.
http://www.healthinconstruction.co.uk/
Videos-
HSE – Go Home Healthy: http://www.hse.gov.uk/gohomehealthy/lungs.htm
The Danger of Dust: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmpScvrqRT8
HSE – Asbestos Essentials: http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/campaign/video.htm
Tool Box Talks-
Trade Fact Sheets -These fact sheets highlight the main hazards, highest risks and preferred control options for all the key construction trades:
http://breathefreely.org.uk/trade-fact-sheets.html
Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE): Facial Hair and Face Masks:
http://breathefreely.org.uk/assets/rpe-fact-sheet.pdf
Breathe Freely Toolbox Talks and Visual Standards
http://breathefreely.org.uk/construction-manager-s-toolkit.html#toolboxtalks
Sources:
https://www.iosh.co.uk/Books-and-resources/Our-OH-toolkit/Occupational-cancer.aspx IOSH Occupational Cancer webpage (Accessed November 2017)
http://www.notimetolose.org.uk/ IOSH Occupational Cancer Campaign (Accessed November 2017)
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg136.pdf HSE: Working with Substances Hazardous to Health (Accessed November 2017)
http://www.hse.gov.uk/cancer/about.htm HSE: About Occupational Cancer website (Accessed November 2017)
What is ‘Occupational Cancer’?
Cancer can be caused by substances, or mixtures of substances, called 'carcinogens’. Occupational cancer is caused by significant exposure to carcinogens in the workplace, often over a prolonged period.
The causes of cancer (carcinogens) are many and varied. They can be solid substances, liquids, mixtures, vapours, gases, dusts or even radiation. Without adequate control, you can be affected by breathing them in, absorbing them through the skin and accidental swallowing.
There is usually a considerable period of time (often more than 10 years and up to 40 or 50 years) between these exposures and any ill-health symptoms developing.
Occupational Cancer and the Construction Industry
The construction industry has long been responsible for the greatest number of fatalities and major injuries when compared with other industrial sectors. The latest figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show that for 2015/16 there were 43 fatal injuries to workers in construction. The industry accounts for 27% of a year’s fatal accidents to employees and 10% of major injuries. Consequently and correctly, there has been enormous effort and emphasis by legislators, law enforcers and organisations to stem the number of people being killed or seriously injured through accidents on construction sites all over the UK.
However, this may have led to an oversight of the importance, scope and scale of health issues in construction — in particular cancer. According to the HSE, each year around 4% of workers in construction suffer from a work-related illness including cancer. Around 70,000 workers report an illness each year and over a million working days are lost each year in construction due to work-related illnesses.
Every year more working days are lost in construction to work-related illness than injuries caused by accidents.
The facts:
- Construction reports more cases of occupational cancer than any other industrial sector.
- It accounts for more than 40% of occupational cancer deaths and cancer registrations.
- It is estimated that past exposures in the construction sector annually cause over 5000 occupational cancer cases and approximately 3700 deaths.
- The most significant cause of these cancers is asbestos (70%) followed by silica (17%), then painting and diesel engine exhaust fumes (6–7% each).
The Big Six
1. Asbestos
Asbestos, the biggest cause of death among construction workers, affects a range of trades and activities. This includes plumbers, electricians, and demolition and refurbishment workers. None of these are dedicated asbestos professionals —their exposure to asbestos is incidental or accidental.
2. Silica
Exposure to silica is the second biggest killer of construction workers after asbestos. Silica is commonly present on construction sites. It is found in varying amounts in most rocks, sand and clay. For example, sandstone contains more than 70% silica, whereas granite might contain 15–30%. Silica is also a major constituent of common construction materials such as bricks, tiles, concrete and mortar. Respirable silica dust can be generated through processes such as cutting, drilling and sanding. Heavy and prolonged exposure to silica can cause lung cancer and other serious respiratory diseases. In addition to the risks from lung cancer, silica is also linked to other serious lung diseases such as silicosis, which can cause severe breathing problems and lung infections.
Exposure to silica can also result in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a group of lung diseases including bronchitis and emphysema. It results in severe breathlessness, prolonged coughing and chronic disability. It can be very disabling and is a leading cause of death. Around 4000 deaths are estimated annually due to COPD resulting from past workplace exposures. Construction workers are a significant at risk group within this.
3. Diesel emissions
Diesel engine exhaust emissions can also cause cancer. Exhaust emissions from diesel engines are made up of a complex mixture of gases, vapours, liquid aerosols and soot particles, which can be damaging physically. Exposure to harmful diesel fume emissions on construction sites is likely to be from generators and heavy vehicles such as construction lorries, excavators or telehandlers. The more significant risks are linked to longer periods of work with this equipment in enclosed spaces or situations.
Breathing diesel fumes can cause a number of ill health effects. Short-term exposure may cause eye or respiratory irritation. Longer periods of exposure can lead to coughing, chestiness and breathlessness. Exposure to blue or black exhaust smoke is in particular linked to lung cancer and other respiratory diseases. There is also evidence that repeated exposure to diesel fumes over many years can increase the risk of lung cancer.
4. Painting
Painting work has also been linked to a significant number of cancer deaths. Painting can involve activities such as sanding, filling and painting, and can lead to exposure to hazardous substances such as asbestos, solvents, lead and resins. HSE-commissioned research has identified painters and decorators as a significant “at risk” group within the construction industry. This group of workers are more prone to cancer of the lung, bladder and stomach.
5. The sun
Skin cancers can be caused by exposure to solar radiation and some hazardous substances and the HSE has identified construction workers as a significant “at risk” group. Skin cancer can be caused by ultraviolet radiation from natural sunlight and construction workers are at risk because of the amount of time they spend outside, and often because of poor working practices such as removing shirts and tops.
6. Hazardous substances
Some chemicals can also cause skin cancer. The most significant to construction workers have been Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) from products containing coal tar/pitch. These risks are now significantly reduced as petroleum-based alternatives to coal tars are now used.
What are the symptoms?
It can take many years for symptoms of cancer to be noticeable and these usually differ depending on the type of cancer. It’s not possible to list all the symptoms that could be caused by every type of cancer, but some common symptoms include:
• fever
• general weakness
• weight loss
• loss of appetite
• fatigue
• anxiety
• muscle aches/unexplained pain
• shortness of breath (lung related cancers)
• persistent cough or hoarseness
• difficulty in swallowing
• altered bowel habits
• lump somewhere on the body
• night sweats
• reddish, scaly patchy skin
• abnormal bleeding
Control Measures
Thousands of people die each year from cancer due to occupational causes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 20-30 per cent of males and 5-20 per cent of females in the working-age population could have been exposed to an occupational lung cancer risk during their working lives. Therefore, it's important to correctly identify carcinogens used in the workplace and put adequate control measure in place to reduce the risk of exposure and harm. This can be achieved by:
- identifying any possible carcinogenic substances being used in the workplace (look at the labelling material data sheets or other information such as the schedules in the COSHH regulations)
- identifying the likely level of exposure and possible emissions or spread of carcinogenic substances
- determining whether a less harmful substance could be used or produced
- looking into engineering controls to completely enclose the process of using or handling of the carcinogenic substance if it can't be substituted
- looking at engineering controls to reduce exposure such as partial enclosure and local exhaust ventilation if total enclosure isn't possible
- developing a process or system of work to reduce exposure
- using PPE - this is an important part of the control programme, but it must not be the sole element and must be used in combination with other controls
- keeping stocks in closed and clearly labelled containers in secure areas
- ensuring any waste or emissions are correctly controlled
Risk Management Programmes
Control of carcinogens should sit with your risk management process. There are several ways of conduction risk assessments, but it's essential that the process you use identifies the risks and those who might be harmed and that control measures are put in place to reduce the risk of harm.
It’s important to follow the requirements in the regulations and associated guidance documents relating to the particular carcinogen you are using. The Approved Code of Practice for COSHH contains a lot of useful guidance on how to comply with the regulations.
Health surveillance under the supervision of a medical practitioner might be required for employees who are, or who are likely to be, exposed to substances that are hazardous to health. Health surveillance helps employers and employees detect any signs of ill health at an early stage and reduce exposure to substances if there’s a problem. It also allows the employer to determine whether the controls put in place are working.
Under the various regulations regarding carcinogens, employers have a duty to provide employees who may be exposed to a hazardous substance with information, instruction and training on the possible risks to health, and the precautions and control measures they should take. This should cover specific signs and symptoms to be aware of. Employees should be advised to report any problems and taught how to conduct self examinations for symptoms linked to the carcinogen they are using.
The effect of some carcinogens can be increased by other factors such as smoking or drinking, so it could be beneficial to provide information on healthy lifestyles, such as giving up smoking, eating healthily and being more active.
Other Useful Links-
Breath Freely - Controlling exposures to prevent occupational lung disease in construction
http://breathefreely.org.uk/breathefreelyconstruction.html
IOSH – Working together to beat Occupational Cancer
http://www.notimetolose.org.uk/
HSE – Occupational Cancer in Construction guidance
http://www.hse.gov.uk/cancer/
HSE – Asbestos Essentials
http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/index.htm
Highways England - Raising the Bar: Occupational Cancers
http://assets.highways.gov.uk/our-road-network/major-projects-delivery-hub-health-%26-safety-action-group/HSE%20Occupational%20Cancers%20Oct%2013%20Chris%20Lucas.pdf
Construction Dust Partnership –To raise awareness within the construction industry about lung diseases related to hazardous workplace dust and to promote good practice to prevent these diseases, particularly for those undertaking high risk tasks
https://www.citb.co.uk/health-safety-and-other-topics/health-safety/construction-dust-partnership/
Health in Construction Leadership Group – To unite the construction industry in order to eradicate the ill health and disease caused by exposures to health hazards on building sites.
http://www.healthinconstruction.co.uk/
Videos-
HSE – Go Home Healthy: http://www.hse.gov.uk/gohomehealthy/lungs.htm
The Danger of Dust: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmpScvrqRT8
HSE – Asbestos Essentials: http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/campaign/video.htm
Tool Box Talks-
Trade Fact Sheets -These fact sheets highlight the main hazards, highest risks and preferred control options for all the key construction trades:
http://breathefreely.org.uk/trade-fact-sheets.html
Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE): Facial Hair and Face Masks:
http://breathefreely.org.uk/assets/rpe-fact-sheet.pdf
Breathe Freely Toolbox Talks and Visual Standards
http://breathefreely.org.uk/construction-manager-s-toolkit.html#toolboxtalks
Sources:
https://www.iosh.co.uk/Books-and-resources/Our-OH-toolkit/Occupational-cancer.aspx IOSH Occupational Cancer webpage (Accessed November 2017)
http://www.notimetolose.org.uk/ IOSH Occupational Cancer Campaign (Accessed November 2017)
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg136.pdf HSE: Working with Substances Hazardous to Health (Accessed November 2017)
http://www.hse.gov.uk/cancer/about.htm HSE: About Occupational Cancer website (Accessed November 2017)
Month 2, Nov 2017 - Stress and Mental Health
The next campaign produced by the hub will cover stress and mental health. There is a heightened awareness of mental health in the workplace, the Samaritans state that a construction worker is six times more likely to die from suicide than a fall from height.
One of the most common representations of this is occupational stress. As with many examples of mental health problems, there is no obvious physical indication of a condition. This makes recognising and treating stress even more difficult. This month’s campaign will help paint a picture of the factors which may contribute to a situation of stress, the symptoms of such a condition and the ways of coping, both as a sufferer and a colleague. The campaign will launch on 1 November which has been designated National Stress Awareness Day. Once you have used the campaign materials please encourage your teams to take part in this QUIZ to help check understanding.
What is ‘Stress’?
We all know what it's like to feel stressed, but it's not easy to pin down exactly what stress means. When we say things like "this is stressful" or "I'm stressed", we might be talking about:
Stress is your body's way of responding to any kind of demand. It can be caused by both good and bad experiences. When people feel stressed by something going on around them, their bodies react by releasing chemicals into the blood.
Causes of stress
Feelings of stress are normally triggered by things happening in your life which involve:· being under lots of pressure
· facing big changes
· worrying about something
· not having much or any control over the outcome of a situation
· having responsibilities that you're finding overwhelming
· not having enough work, activities or change in your life
There might be one big thing causing you stress, but stress can also be caused by a build-up of small challenges. This might make it harder for you to identify what's making you feel stressed, or to explain it to other people.Stress may be caused by time limited events, such as the pressures of examinations or work deadlines, or by ongoing situations, such as family demands, job insecurity, or long commuting journeys.
Good employment practice includes assessing the risk of stress amongst employees. This involves:
What are the symptoms ?
How You Might Feel
How You Might Behave
How You Might Be Physically Affected
How to deal with pressure/stress
Even though there are likely to be some things happening in your life that you can't control, there are still lots of practical things you can do to manage the amount of pressure you're under day to day. For example:
· identify your triggers
· organise your time
· address some of the causes
Develop Resilience
Taking steps to look after your wellbeing can help you deal with pressure, and reduce the impact that stress has on your life. This is sometimes called developing emotional resilience – the ability to adapt and bounce back when something difficult happens in your life. For example, you can:·
make some lifestyle changes
· look after your physical health
· give yourself a break
· use your support network
Treatment for Stress
Stress isn't a medical diagnosis, so there's no specific treatment for it. However, if you're finding it very hard to cope with things going on in your life and are experiencing lots of signs of stress, there are treatments available that could help. These include:
Talking treatments
Talking with a trained professional can help you learn to deal with stress and become more aware of your own thoughts and feelings. Common types of talking treatments which can help with stress are:
Medication
Feelings of stress are a reaction to things happening in your life, not a mental health problem, so there's no specific medication for stress. However, there are various medications available which can help to reduce or manage some of the signs of stress.
For example, your doctor might offer to prescribe:
Ecotherapy is a way of improving your wellbeing and self-esteem by spending time in nature. This can include physical exercise in green spaces or taking part in a gardening or conservation project.
Complementary and alternative therapies
You may find certain alternative therapies help you manage feelings of stress. These might include:
To access most treatments, the first step is usually to talk to your GP.
Other Useful Links-
Mind – organisation which specialises in mental health
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/
ACAS – help and guidance on stress at work issues
http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=782
Mates in Mind – mental health in the construction industry
https://www.matesinmind.org/
ISMA – International Stress Management Association: Stress Awareness Day 1 November 2017
http://isma.org.uk/national-stress-awareness-day
Mental Health Survey
The Mental Health in the Construction Industry Survey 2021 - Herts Tool Co. (hertstools.co.uk)
Videos-
HSE Stress series: Molly’s Story
http://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/video/mollystory-new1.htm
http://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/video/mollystory-new2.htm
http://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/video/mollystory-new3.htm
HSE Stress series: Dan’s Story
http://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/video/danstory-new1.htm
http://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/video/danstory-new2.htm
http://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/video/danstory-new3.htm
How to Deal with Stress – motion graphics and green screen video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdqNEWb3VfA
Tool Box Talks
ISMA – 10 key steps to stress-free living
http://isma.org.uk/pdf/free/top-ten-key-steps-to-stress-free-living.pdf
Mates in Mind – Let’s Talk About Mental Health
https://www.matesinmind.org/tools/tools-for-workers/lets-talk-about-mental-health.html
Quiz
Please encourage your teams to take part in this quiz which checks understanding of stress;
Posters
The next campaign produced by the hub will cover stress and mental health. There is a heightened awareness of mental health in the workplace, the Samaritans state that a construction worker is six times more likely to die from suicide than a fall from height.
One of the most common representations of this is occupational stress. As with many examples of mental health problems, there is no obvious physical indication of a condition. This makes recognising and treating stress even more difficult. This month’s campaign will help paint a picture of the factors which may contribute to a situation of stress, the symptoms of such a condition and the ways of coping, both as a sufferer and a colleague. The campaign will launch on 1 November which has been designated National Stress Awareness Day. Once you have used the campaign materials please encourage your teams to take part in this QUIZ to help check understanding.
What is ‘Stress’?
We all know what it's like to feel stressed, but it's not easy to pin down exactly what stress means. When we say things like "this is stressful" or "I'm stressed", we might be talking about:
- Situations or events that put pressure on us – for example, times where we have lots to do and think about, or don't have much control over what happens.
- Our reaction to being placed under pressure – the feelings we get when we have demands placed on us that we find difficult to cope with.
Stress is your body's way of responding to any kind of demand. It can be caused by both good and bad experiences. When people feel stressed by something going on around them, their bodies react by releasing chemicals into the blood.
Causes of stress
Feelings of stress are normally triggered by things happening in your life which involve:· being under lots of pressure
· facing big changes
· worrying about something
· not having much or any control over the outcome of a situation
· having responsibilities that you're finding overwhelming
· not having enough work, activities or change in your life
There might be one big thing causing you stress, but stress can also be caused by a build-up of small challenges. This might make it harder for you to identify what's making you feel stressed, or to explain it to other people.Stress may be caused by time limited events, such as the pressures of examinations or work deadlines, or by ongoing situations, such as family demands, job insecurity, or long commuting journeys.
Good employment practice includes assessing the risk of stress amongst employees. This involves:
- looking for pressures at work which could cause high and long-lasting levels of stress
- deciding who might be harmed by these
- deciding whether you are doing enough to prevent that harm.
What are the symptoms ?
How You Might Feel
- irritable, aggressive, impatient or wound up
- over-burdened
- anxious, nervous or afraid
- like your thoughts are racing and you can't switch off
- unable to enjoy yourself
- depressed
- uninterested in life
- like you've lost your sense of humour
- a sense of dread
- worried about your health
- neglected or lonely
How You Might Behave
- finding it hard to make decisions
- avoiding situations that are troubling you
- snapping at people
- biting your nails
- picking at your skin
- unable to concentrate
- eating too much or too little
- smoking or drinking alcohol more than usual
- restless, like you can't sit still
- feeling tearful or crying
How You Might Be Physically Affected
- shallow breathing or hyperventilating
- you might have a panic attack
- blurred eyesight or sore eyes
- problems getting to sleep, staying asleep or having nightmares
- sexual problems, such as losing interest in sex or being unable to enjoy sex
- tired all the time
- grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw
- headaches
- chest pains
- high blood pressure
- indigestion or heartburn
- constipation or diarrhoea
- feeling sick, dizzy or fainting
How to deal with pressure/stress
Even though there are likely to be some things happening in your life that you can't control, there are still lots of practical things you can do to manage the amount of pressure you're under day to day. For example:
· identify your triggers
- issues that come up regularly, and that you worry about, for example paying a bill or attending an appointment
- one-off events that are on your mind a lot, such as moving house or taking an exam
- ongoing stressful events, like being a carer or having problems at work
· organise your time
- Identify your best time of day, and do the important tasks that need the most energy and concentration at that time. For example, you might be a morning person or an evening person.
- Make a list of things you have to do. Arrange them in order of importance, and try to focus on the most urgent first. If your tasks are work related, ask a manager or colleague to help you prioritise. You may be able to push back some tasks until you're feeling less stressed.
- Vary your activities. Balance interesting tasks with more mundane ones, and stressful tasks with those you find easier or can do more calmly.
- Try not to do too much at once. If you take on too much, you might find it harder to do any individual task well. This can make you feel like you have even more pressure on you.
- Take breaks and take things slowly. It might be difficult to do this when you're stressed, but it can make you more productive.
· address some of the causes
- Although there will probably lots of things in your life that you can't do anything about, there might still be some practical ways you could to resolve or improve some of the issues that are putting pressure on you.
- It's not easy, but accepting that there are some things happening to you that you probably can't do anything about will help you focus your time and energy more productively.
Develop Resilience
Taking steps to look after your wellbeing can help you deal with pressure, and reduce the impact that stress has on your life. This is sometimes called developing emotional resilience – the ability to adapt and bounce back when something difficult happens in your life. For example, you can:·
make some lifestyle changes
- Practise being straightforward and assertive
- Use relaxation techniques
- Develop your interests and hobbies
- Make time for your friends
- Find balance in your life
· look after your physical health
- Get good sleep.
- Be more physically active.
- Eat healthily.
· give yourself a break
- Reward yourself for achievements
- Get a change of scenery – even if it's just for a short time.
- Take a break or holiday
- Resolve conflicts, if you can
- Forgive yourself when you make a mistake
· use your support network
- Friends and family
- Support at work, such as your line manager, human resources (HR) department, union representatives, or employee assistance schemes
- Peer support
- Specialist websites and organisations
- Your GP
Treatment for Stress
Stress isn't a medical diagnosis, so there's no specific treatment for it. However, if you're finding it very hard to cope with things going on in your life and are experiencing lots of signs of stress, there are treatments available that could help. These include:
Talking treatments
Talking with a trained professional can help you learn to deal with stress and become more aware of your own thoughts and feelings. Common types of talking treatments which can help with stress are:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which helps you understand your thought patterns, recognise your trigger points and identify positive actions you can take.
- Mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR), which combines mindfulness, meditation and yoga with a particular focus on reducing stress.
Medication
Feelings of stress are a reaction to things happening in your life, not a mental health problem, so there's no specific medication for stress. However, there are various medications available which can help to reduce or manage some of the signs of stress.
For example, your doctor might offer to prescribe:
- sleeping pills or minor tranquillisers if you're having trouble sleeping
- antidepressants if you're experiencing depression or anxiety
- medication to treat any physical symptoms of stress, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or high blood pressure
Ecotherapy is a way of improving your wellbeing and self-esteem by spending time in nature. This can include physical exercise in green spaces or taking part in a gardening or conservation project.
Complementary and alternative therapies
You may find certain alternative therapies help you manage feelings of stress. These might include:
- acupuncture
- aromatherapy
- massage
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
To access most treatments, the first step is usually to talk to your GP.
Other Useful Links-
Mind – organisation which specialises in mental health
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/
ACAS – help and guidance on stress at work issues
http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=782
Mates in Mind – mental health in the construction industry
https://www.matesinmind.org/
ISMA – International Stress Management Association: Stress Awareness Day 1 November 2017
http://isma.org.uk/national-stress-awareness-day
Mental Health Survey
The Mental Health in the Construction Industry Survey 2021 - Herts Tool Co. (hertstools.co.uk)
Videos-
HSE Stress series: Molly’s Story
http://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/video/mollystory-new1.htm
http://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/video/mollystory-new2.htm
http://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/video/mollystory-new3.htm
HSE Stress series: Dan’s Story
http://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/video/danstory-new1.htm
http://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/video/danstory-new2.htm
http://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/video/danstory-new3.htm
How to Deal with Stress – motion graphics and green screen video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdqNEWb3VfA
Tool Box Talks
ISMA – 10 key steps to stress-free living
http://isma.org.uk/pdf/free/top-ten-key-steps-to-stress-free-living.pdf
Mates in Mind – Let’s Talk About Mental Health
https://www.matesinmind.org/tools/tools-for-workers/lets-talk-about-mental-health.html
Quiz
Please encourage your teams to take part in this quiz which checks understanding of stress;
Posters
| dont_suffer_alone_poster.pdf |
| construction_news_poster.pdf |
| hse_work_related_stress_poster.pdf |
| mates_in_mind_poster_1.pdf |
| mates_in_mind_poster_2.pdf |
| relieve_work_stress_poster.pdf |
Month 1, Oct 2017 - Fatigue
What is ‘Fatigue’?
There is no single agreed definition of fatigue, however it is considered a state of perceived weariness that can result from prolonged working, heavy workload, insufficient rest and inadequate sleep. Fatigue can be thought of as a loss of alertness, which can only be remedied by sleep.
Causes of fatigue
There are many potential causes of fatigue; some, but not all, are related to work.
What are the signs/ symptoms ?
Early warning signs
These should prompt you too look for other, conclusive evidence of fatigue.
Signs of moderate fatigue
These suggest performance is being affected and should be taken seriously.
Signs of severe fatigue
These suggest the person is liable to un-controllable ‘micro sleeps’ with a high risk of errors.
Why is lack of sleep bad?
Many effects of a lack of sleep, such as feeling grumpy and not working at your best, are well known. But did you know that sleep deprivation can also have profound consequences on your physical health?
When you might need more sleep than normal
There are some situations when you'll need more than the standard eight hours of sleep a night. It’s not unusual to want 10-15 hours of rest and sleep a day if you are:
However, the cost of all those sleepless nights is more than just bad moods and a lack of focus.
Regular poor sleep puts you at risk of serious medical conditions, including obesity, heart disease and diabetes – and it shortens your life expectancy.
It’s now clear that a solid night’s sleep is essential for a long and healthy life.
How much sleep do we need?
Most of us need around eight hours of good-quality sleep a night to function properly – but some need more and some less. What matters is that you find out how much sleep you need and then try to achieve it.
Generally, if you wake up tired and spend the day longing for a chance to have a nap, it’s likely that you’re not getting enough sleep.
A variety of factors can cause poor sleep, including health conditions such as sleep apnoea. But in most cases, it’s due to bad sleeping habits.
What happens if I don't sleep?
An occasional night without sleep makes you feel tired and irritable the next day, but it won’t harm your health.
After several sleepless nights, the mental effects become more serious. Your brain will fog, making it difficult to concentrate and make decisions. You’ll start to feel down, and may fall asleep during the day. Your risk of injury and accidents at home, work and on the road also increases.
If it continues, lack of sleep can affect your overall health and make you prone to serious medical conditions, such as obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes
Useful Links & Resources
Tiredness can kill − Advice for drivers https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/503534/INF159_150216.pdf
Don’t drive tired http://think.direct.gov.uk/fatigue.html
Is there a medical reason for feeling tired? http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/tiredness-and-fatigue/Pages/medical-causes-of-tiredness.aspx
Lack of sleep health risks http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/tiredness-and-fatigue/Pages/lack-of-sleep-health-risks.aspx (NHS, 2017) (Accessed 20 September 2017) Shift Working and Fatigue TFL Occupational Health Department (Published: No date)
Videos;
http://www.nhs.uk/Video/ Pages/sleep-problems-podcast.aspx
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wK8k9CX4bo&t=105s
What is ‘Fatigue’?
There is no single agreed definition of fatigue, however it is considered a state of perceived weariness that can result from prolonged working, heavy workload, insufficient rest and inadequate sleep. Fatigue can be thought of as a loss of alertness, which can only be remedied by sleep.
Causes of fatigue
There are many potential causes of fatigue; some, but not all, are related to work.
- workload
- the nature and duration of any time spent travelling
- insufficient rest breaks both between shifts and within a shift
- sleep debt
- inadequate nutrition
- poor fitness/ lack of movement
- environment (poor light, increased noise & vibration, extreme temperatures)
- time of day
What are the signs/ symptoms ?
Early warning signs
These should prompt you too look for other, conclusive evidence of fatigue.
- not feeling refreshed after sleep
- extended sleep on days off
- feeling irritable, restless and impatient
- fidgeting
- rubbing your eyes
- more frequent naps in leisure time
Signs of moderate fatigue
These suggest performance is being affected and should be taken seriously.
- Frequent yawning
- Staring blankly
- Frequent blinking
- Lack of energy
- Eye strain, sore or ‘heavy’ eyes, dim or blurred vision
Signs of severe fatigue
These suggest the person is liable to un-controllable ‘micro sleeps’ with a high risk of errors.
- Vacant stare with sunken, bloodshot eyes
- Unstable posture/ swaying, dropping chin, nodding head
- Difficulty keeping eyes open and focused
- Long blinks
- Slurred speech
- Drowsiness
- Droning or humming in the ears
Why is lack of sleep bad?
Many effects of a lack of sleep, such as feeling grumpy and not working at your best, are well known. But did you know that sleep deprivation can also have profound consequences on your physical health?
When you might need more sleep than normal
There are some situations when you'll need more than the standard eight hours of sleep a night. It’s not unusual to want 10-15 hours of rest and sleep a day if you are:
- recovering from illness
- pregnant
- living with a chronic illness
- have been through extreme physical exertion, such as running a marathon
However, the cost of all those sleepless nights is more than just bad moods and a lack of focus.
Regular poor sleep puts you at risk of serious medical conditions, including obesity, heart disease and diabetes – and it shortens your life expectancy.
It’s now clear that a solid night’s sleep is essential for a long and healthy life.
How much sleep do we need?
Most of us need around eight hours of good-quality sleep a night to function properly – but some need more and some less. What matters is that you find out how much sleep you need and then try to achieve it.
Generally, if you wake up tired and spend the day longing for a chance to have a nap, it’s likely that you’re not getting enough sleep.
A variety of factors can cause poor sleep, including health conditions such as sleep apnoea. But in most cases, it’s due to bad sleeping habits.
What happens if I don't sleep?
An occasional night without sleep makes you feel tired and irritable the next day, but it won’t harm your health.
After several sleepless nights, the mental effects become more serious. Your brain will fog, making it difficult to concentrate and make decisions. You’ll start to feel down, and may fall asleep during the day. Your risk of injury and accidents at home, work and on the road also increases.
If it continues, lack of sleep can affect your overall health and make you prone to serious medical conditions, such as obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes
Useful Links & Resources
Tiredness can kill − Advice for drivers https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/503534/INF159_150216.pdf
Don’t drive tired http://think.direct.gov.uk/fatigue.html
Is there a medical reason for feeling tired? http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/tiredness-and-fatigue/Pages/medical-causes-of-tiredness.aspx
Lack of sleep health risks http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/tiredness-and-fatigue/Pages/lack-of-sleep-health-risks.aspx (NHS, 2017) (Accessed 20 September 2017) Shift Working and Fatigue TFL Occupational Health Department (Published: No date)
Videos;
http://www.nhs.uk/Video/ Pages/sleep-problems-podcast.aspx
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wK8k9CX4bo&t=105s
Tool Box Talks
Highways England TBT - 10 tips to beat insomnia - Oct 2017
Highways England TBT - 10 tips to beat insomnia - Oct 2017
| highways_england_tbt_-_10_tips_to_beat_insomnia_-_oct_2017.pdf |
Highways England TBT - Energy booster myths and facts - Oct 2017
| highways_england_tbt_-_energy_booster_myths_and_facts_-_oct_2017.pdf |
Highways England TBT - Self help to fight fatigue - Oct 2017
| highways_england_tbt_-_self-help_tips_to_fight_fatigue10_tips_to_beat_insomnia_-_oct_2017.pdf |
Nightwork Managers TBT
| night_work_managers_tbt.pdf |
Nightwork Operatives TBT
| night_work_operatives_tbt.pdf |
Posters
| fatigue_poster_1.pdf |
| fatigue_poster_2.pdf |
Fact Sheets, Presentations & Guidance
| fatigue_health_focus_1.pdf |
| fatigue_health_focus_2.pdf |
| night_work_-_a_guide_for_workers.pdf |
| obstructive_sleep_apnoea.pptx |
Quiz
Please encourage your teams to try our quiz which checks their understanding of fatigue;
https://goo.gl/forms/RIl7PAn6aJkCXWkQ2
Please encourage your teams to try our quiz which checks their understanding of fatigue;
https://goo.gl/forms/RIl7PAn6aJkCXWkQ2