Stress at work

Stress is the way you feel when you’re under too much pressure.  It can affect anyone and over short periods it is perfectly healthy.  But long-term stress can cause major health problems.  If you have suffered from stress at work, you may be able to claim compensation.

Symptoms of stress at work

You may be suffering from stress if you are getting headaches, nausea or indigestion or if you breathe more quickly and have palpitations.  Other signs include:

• Cramps or muscle spasms
• Frequent crying
• Chest pains
• Restlessness, constant tiredness or sleeping problems
• Lack of appetite or craving for food
• Constipation or diarrhoea.

Over the longer term, stress may cause asthma, depression, high blood pressure, heart attacks, skin problems, stomach ulcers and stroke. 

Causes of stress at work

There are many reasons why you might suffer from stress at work.  These might include:

• Too much or too little work to do
• Lack of control over your work
• Poor communication or working relationships with colleagues
• Blame culture
• Lack of support to develop your skills
• Inflexible work schedules
• Bullying, racial or sexual harassment
• Physical danger (such as risk of violence)
• Poor working conditions (such as noise).
  

Your employer’s responsibility

The Health and Safety Executive says more working days are lost because of work-related stress than any other work-related illness or injury, about 13 million days per year.  There is no single or specific law governing workplace stress in the UK.  However, employers do have a responsibility to protect their workers from too much stress at work. 

Claims Direct can help

Claims Direct uses lawyers who are experts in work-related injuries, including stress at work.

If you have suffered from stress at work it is vital you get rehabilitation and we will also support you through this process.  We will ensure you get the treatment you need and put you in touch with support groups.

Contact us now for a free first discussion if you have suffered from stress at work.  You can speak to a trained representative, or leave your details on our online web form and we’ll call you right back.