A PRACTICAL workshop to help employers introduce new standards to manage work-related stress is to be held in Droitwich.

The International Stress Management Association and the Health And Safety Executive are joining forces for the event at Droitwich fire training centre on Wednesday.

The purpose of the workshops is to explain the HSE's new approach, and give guidance on the steps that organisations need to take to bring in the rules successfully.

ISMAUK member Roger Mead, who is presenting the Droitwich workshop, said: "According to the Institute Of Psychiatry, stress, anxiety and depression have now overtaken physical ailments as the most common cause of long-term absence from work.

"Stress is also an issue that many organisations find very difficult to effectively manage.

"By attending the workshop, employers will have access to the latest thinking, along with what they and their employees can and should be doing to reduce the risks of stress."

Mark Preece, the health and safety manager for Hereford-shire & Worcestershire Fire And Rescue Service, said: "We are actively involved in a project to manage stress in the service and we welcome the opportunity to host this event for local businesses."

The Droitwich workshop will start at 10am. Places are limited, but can be reserved by e-mailing droitwich @isma.org.uk or by calling Sue Mead on 0208 4881931.