Understanding Job Stress: A Primer for OHS Professionals

This course introduces concepts, terminology, and prevention approaches relevant for job stress. Occupational stress is a recognized risk factor for chronic physical and mental health conditions. It requires control strategies similar to other occupational safety and health hazards. The course will distinguish general and work-related stress; define specific types of work-related stressors (i.e., psychosocial hazards) that warrant controls; distinguish organizational interventions that reduce stressors from individual-level coping support interventions; and explain effective approaches for assessment and intervention in the workplace. This course is appropriate for professionals from varied disciplines who have responsibility for worker safety, health, and well-being.

After completing this course, you will be able to:

1. explain the effects of stress on health and job performance;
2. differentiate healthy and unhealthy stress to gauge control measures needed to prevent negative outcomes for individuals and organizations;
3. describe potential workplace stressors in your workplace related to job tasks, work organization, and work environment. 
4. explain evidence-based approaches to assessing job stressors and designing effective interventions that prioritize healthy working conditions.

This self-paced course involves learning activities such as videos, readings, and other assessment and application activities. Participants can start, stop, and resume as desired. Total estimated course time is about 3 hours. Participants who complete all required course activities will receive a certificate of completion that can be used to claim educational credit from professional accrediting boards.