Ignoring OSHA's General Duty Clause isn't just risky, it's a recipe for disaster – protect your workers, your business, and your peace of mind.
Workplace stress is a significant concern in the modern work environment, impacting employee well-being and productivity, and contributing to various health problems. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recognizes the detrimental effects of workplace stress and has taken a stance on the issue through its General Duty Clause.
The General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act of 1970, 29 USC 654 mandates that employers provide a workplace "free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees." While OSHA does not have a specific standard on workplace stress, the General Duty Clause can be applied to address hazardous working conditions that can lead to stress-related illnesses and injuries.
This means that employers are obligated to identify and mitigate any workplace stressors that could pose a risk to employees' physical or mental health. Such stressors may include excessive workloads, unrealistic deadlines, lack of control over work, poor communication, harassment, and violence.