Stress is now a legal risk for FM — HSE's Working Minds + Mental Health UK frame the brief
Published: May 22, 2026
FMJ
FMJ
Mental Health UK's Burnout Report finds 91% of UK workers report high or extreme stress, with one in five having taken time off in the past year. HSE estimates 964,000 UK workers suffered work-related stress, depression or anxiety in 2024/25 — 22.1 million lost working days. The University of Birmingham was found in breach of the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 in December 2025 for inadequate stress management, putting FM on notice: stress is a legal duty, treated like any other workplace hazard.
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Applicable guidelines
Arbowet NL
Dutch Working Conditions Act — FM is often the operational implementer of workplace safety measures required by the Arbowet. Close collaboration...
RI&E NL
Risk Assessment & Evaluation — FM typically leads or heavily contributes to the RI&E, especially for physical workplace risks (climate, ergonomics,...
NEN 3140 NL
Safe operation of electrical installations — FM must ensure electrical installations are periodically inspected (typically every 1-3 years) and that personnel...