What Stress Risk Evidence Should Employers Keep?

A stress risk assessment should leave a clear record of what was considered, what was identified and what action was taken. For organisations with five or more employees, significant findings from the risk assessment must be recorded.

Useful evidence can include completed assessments, survey or consultation findings, identified workplace stress risks, agreed actions, responsibilities and target dates. Employers should also retain records showing when actions were completed and when the assessment was reviewed.

Employee feedback can form part of the evidence, but it should not be the only record. The aim is to show a structured process from identifying a potential risk through to deciding what action was needed and checking whether that action was effective.

Records should be proportionate to the organisation and the risks involved. Clear, dated evidence can also help provide continuity when managers change or concerns are raised at a later date.