Recent case highlights the need to tackle workplace stress

A former prison officer has been awarded thousands of pounds in damages by a tribunal for post traumatic stress disorder caused by his employer.

The officer had worked as a prison officer for fifteen years when he was told that he was required to attend 'therapeutic community sessions' with sex offenders. The sessions involved sex offenders relating the details of their crimes for therapeutic reasons, with the prison officer having to listen to them in an 'intense and high pressure environment'.

As he had no qualifications or experience in therapy, he found this to be extremely disturbing and stressful, leading to him being diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder.

However the prison would not accept that his condition was caused by his job and fought the case for three years before the verdict against it was delivered.

Workplace stress is a serious matter that needs to be dealt with by both the employer and employee at the earliest opportunity. Employers should deal with any causes of stress in accordance with their health and safety obligations and ensure that there are appropriate communication channels open to employees to voice any problems that they are experiencing.

An employment solicitor should be contacted for advice and assistance in relation to workplace policies and procedures.