LIABILITY FOR WORKPLACE INDUCED STRESS UNDER NIGERIAN LAW

Abstract

This paper looks into the mental health of an average Nigerian employee by appraising the stress they are usually exposed to as a result of their work. It discusses the importance of creating a workplace that will foster the mental wellbeing of employees either through stress management or availability of avenues for redress or adequate compensation when mental impairment is caused by work. The paper adopts doctrinal method for the study which reveals that workplace induced stress is capable of affecting work profitability, productivity and output. The research also finds that where employers do not take care of the welfare of their employees, they can be liable under the law. It opines that an improvement in mental health resources especially at work will go a long way towards improving global economy and concludes that when employee centered programs are promoted, mental health is mainstreamed into health insurance policies, among other suggested recommendations, recurring negative issues of mental breakdown due to work induced stress will be laid to rest.