Occupational Stress and Psychosocial Risks eLearning

This ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Stress and other psychosocial risks course includes 7 technical hazards modules:

• Stress
• Remote, isolated & lone working
• Shift work and fatigue
• Substance misuse
• Noise
• Vibration
• Musculo-skeletal

Work-related stress describes the physical, mental, and emotional reactions of workers who feel they don’t have the abilities or resources to meet the demands placed upon them. It can also be caused by the experience, threat, or fear of intimidation, harassment, or violence. As we will see in this module, many of the causes of stress can be tackled as long as there is open and clear communications – and in this regard managers have a key role to play.

Fatigue is defined as extreme tiredness resulting from mental or physical exertion, lack of quality sleep, or disruption to the circadian rhythms. It is one of the most widespread of all workplace hazards – it literally occurs in every industry all over the world.

Substance misuse covers problematic consumption of alcohol and prescribed or over the counter medication, as well as the use of illegal drugs and ‘legal highs’. While alcohol and drug-related problems may develop for a variety of reasons and over a considerable period of time, they can have devastating effects on the worker and their family, as well as being the cause of serious incidents within the workplace.

Noise can be defined as unwanted or unpleasant sound. In this topic we will look at some of the causes of noise in the workplace, the types of harm it can cause, and controls that will minimize or eliminate noise hazards.

Vibration is defined as a continuous slight shaking movement, or a series of small, fast movements back and forth or from side to side. Where they cannot be eliminated, a variety of other controls are available that can help reduce the impact of vibration hazards. The management of occupational stress and psychosocial risks is an important part of enhancing employee well-being and engagement.

The course is aligned to support implementation of ISO 45001 and ISO 45003, but can be used by any professional interested occupational stress, psychosocial risks and psychological health and safety management.