This paper describes a systematic, voluntary and confidential reporting scheme of new cases of occupational stress and mental illness in the UK (SOSMI). This scheme was designed to gather information on specific types and frequency of ill health seen by consultants within the specialty of psychiatric and psychological medicine. Information obtained from reporting schemes such as SOSMI is crucial in the recognition, understanding and prevention of work-related diseases, as this might come to the attention of specialists long after the patient has left the workplace responsible for the illness.