The Dangers of Workplace Stress

There are many factors that can contribute to workplace injuries: inattention, overworked conditions, employer negligence, and so on. What many people do not realize is that one leading cause of severe work-related injuries is emotional stress. A low level of stress on the job is normal and can even help people feel motivated – but too much stress can take a real toll both mentally and physically.

Studies have shown that employees in the US are working longer hours and taking fewer vacations than they have in previous decades. Instead of making our country more productive, overwork is actually contributing to the problem of worker absenteeism. People’s feelings of insecurity about the future of their jobs and widely reported incidents of workplace violence are also contributing to the national problem of workplace stress.

How Stress can be Dangerous

Some people have difficulty believing that workplace stress is a true risk. After all, everyone has bad days at work from time to time. Besides, what does feeling tired or anxious have to do with physical health? The truth, according to extensive research, is that long-term stress contributes to issues like:

• Insomnia, which can affect concentration and cause dangerous distractions at work
• High blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart attack and other heart problems
• Irritable bowel syndrome, a painful and highly disruptive condition
• Serious mental health conditions like depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Diabetes, which can be exacerbated by stressful conditions

Over time, these conditions can take a great toll on employees’ lives, employers’ profits, and insurance rates. Clearly, employers need to take steps to address this public health hazard today.

Contact a Charleston Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Filing a claim for a workplace injury caused by stress is not an easy undertaking. Many insurance companies will try to deny these claims or demand extensive proof that working conditions caused your health problems. For the assistance you need, contact the Steinberg Law Firm at 843-720-2800 to speak with an experienced Charleston workers’ compensation attorney.