Anyone who currently works in the security industry will be well aware of the stresses involved especially the responsibility of protecting assets, buildings and the safety of the people who work there, but workplace stress is not something to be ignored. Even the Lloyds Banking Group chief executive Antonio Horta-Osorio has recently taken eight weeks off work due to a stress related condition and is reportedly returning to work in January 2012.
Workplace stress is not easily defined although the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have set some guidelines relating to ‘excessive pressure or other types of work related demands’. These pressures can escalate and if left unchecked develop into acute anxiety and depression which are, if proven regarded as serious medical conditions.
Security Industry employers do have a role to play in ensuring the welfare of their staff especially in the current frosty unemployment climate in which employees are under further pressure to hold on to their jobs. Any employer who has more than five members of staff must, by law, have a Health and Safety Policy part of which will contain policies relating to stress. You’ll often find this policy displayed on the walls of staff rooms, it’s not there as decoration or to hide a nasty stain on the wall – read it and know your rights.
There are underlying factors to consider here too which can aggravate stress which may not be a direct result of your job such as drug and alcohol abuse, eating disorders and family problems. These non-work related issues are covered by The World Health Organisation’s International Classification of Diseases which refers to these more personal problems as impairments. Anyone who is suffering from such problems could be classified as disabled within the Equality Act 2010.
The Equality Act covers long term problems categorised as conditions which include the inability to carry out normal day-to-day activities, the ability to learn, understand or concentrate and if medically proven to be a disability employers may be required to make adjustments to the employees workload or re-allocate the employee to less stressful tasks for a period of time.
Clearly all SIA Licensed staff such as Door Supervisors, Security Guards and CCTV Operatives will at some time be subject to stressful situations, these are after all expected as part of the job. Anyone who thinks working in the security industry is an easy ride are misunderstanding these roles, they are highly professional functions, facts which are inevitably reflected in the training and why the tuition is so rigorous.
It’s worth remembering that whilst you are coached during your SIA Training in Health and Safety issues relating to your job there aspects of health and safety policies that relate to the employee as well and they are there specifically in place to cover your wellbeing too. All employers are aware of these policies but its well worth familiarising yourself with what rights you have as an employee. If you have any questions or doubts regarding your rights the best place to find information before you make any claims against your employer is at the Health and Safety Executives website www.hse.gov.uk
It’s worth bearing in mind too that making claims against an employer can lead to increased anxiety. Good working relationships are key to avoiding workplace stress and a positive attitude to the demands expected of you will always work in your favour. Most problems can be nipped in the bud through honest and effective communication. All employers, with a reasonable attitude, are on your side and they will have Management Standards which define the culture of their organisation and when these standards are efficiently controlled they should eliminate conflicts.
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