No employer likes to think that their staff are stressed because of their working environment or issues about their job. Today the discomfort can be all the more serious.

Under health and safety law every employer has a responsibility to ensure that stress in the workplace is appropriately measured and managed. Failure to do so can result in fines and penalties. The issue is a serious one given that an estimated half a million employees are suffering from work-related stress.

How should companies seek to protect themselves?

• Marsh can conduct a comprehensive stress risk assessment and target 'hot spots';
• Engage and train senior management and line managers to ensure the dangers of stress are identified and controlled;
• Devise and implement effective plans to rehabilitate staff who are suffering from stress;
• Involve employees in setting up a monitoring programme.