Page 2 of 6 Health and Safety at Work legislation and other statutory regulations to take reasonable care of their health and safety and that of other persons with whom they work. Employees should, therefore, draw the attention of WATMOS to any concerns about work-related stress which might present a health hazard to themselves or other persons. 5. RESPONSIBILITIES OF MANAGERIAL STAFF 5.1 In order to enable managers to fulfil their responsibilities in respect of instances of excessive and sustained work-related stress which are brought to their attention, there is further information in Section 10 of this policy regarding the basic physical and psychological symptoms of stress and in the guidance ‘Managing Stress at Work: A Competency Framework for line managers’ (Appendix 1). The manager is neither expected nor presumed to have specialist knowledge in this area and should seek assistance accordingly (Appendix 1). 6. RISK ASSESSMENT 6.1 There are difficulties in undertaking risk assessments in respect of work-related stress. One of the key goals of work-related stress policies and guidance is to promote advice for all staff in identifying the main risk factors. The attached guidance is provided for this purpose (see Appendix 1). 7. WHAT TO DO IF YOU BELIEVE YOU MAY BE EXPERIENCING WORK RELATED STRESS 7.1 There are many things which you can do to relieve the symptoms of stress. Advice is available on the Health & Safety Executive website. If none of these measures are effective or appropriate in your situation, the following steps should be taken. 7.2 If you notice symptoms of stress in yourself or experience any health issues which affect your work, you should consider discussing this with your manager in the first instance. If you decide that this is not appropriate, or you feel that the matter requires additional professional guidance, you should contact the Human Resources Manager who may, depending upon circumstances, suggest that you be assessed by an NHS Occupational Health Adviser. 7.3 The involvement of an NHS Occupational Health Adviser at an early stage can help facilitate the co-ordination of communication between WATMOS and your own General Practitioner as well as providing advice regarding future management. 7.4 If you have a consultation with the Occupational Health Adviser a report will be sent to the Director. 7.5 The release of medical information from your general practitioner requires your specific consent in accordance with the Access to Medical Records Act 1988. 8. PROCEDURE FOR HANDLING CASES OF WORK RELATED STRESS 8.1 When it is brought to the attention of a manager that a member of staff has symptoms of stress, which are affecting their work, there should be a joint discussion with the person concerned in the first instance.