Stress-related accidents on the rise
Stress levels are at an all-time high among UK workers as a result of the recession, and insurers have warned this could give rise to an increase in workplace injuries.
New research released by insurer RSA revealed that 71% of UK employees reported an increase in their stress levels brought about as a direct result of the economic crisis. One in five added they feel more likely to face a workplace accident due to the distraction and apathy caused by high stress and anxiety.
London workers are the most stressed as 87% claimed rising stress levels compared to last year. Those in the Midlands (80%), and Wales and the South West (77%) also reported report high levels. Employees in the North of England (57%) are reportedly the least stressed.
Phil Bell, group casualty director at RSA, said: "Workplace injuries cost British businesses hugely and many workers fear that stress will make them more likely to have an accident.
"Many people are working longer hours and are over-stressed. This impacts on staff productivity, retention and on people's personal lives. Employers have to take stress, long hours and the likely increase in workplace injuries seriously.”
The insurer’s research also indicated no industry is immune to stress. Workers in the service sector (90%) felt under the greatest pressure, while 79% of workers in the manufacturing sector also felt the strain.
RSA estimated over 13,500,000 days alone will be lost due to stress in 2009, at a cost of £673 million to the insurance industry.