scholarly journals Reducing the psychosocial risk at work as the task of socially responsible companies

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Sadlowska-Wrzesinska
Keyword(s):  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Psychosocial Risk ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Efficiency Increase ◽  
Prevention Model ◽  
Tax Benefits ◽  
Complex Solutions ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
Stress At Work

Although corporate social responsibility is a permanent feature of activities of many companies, only a few companies can show a strategic approach and use complex solutions. It is emphasized that factors which could cause a positive change are institutional incentives such as tax benefits, and a bigger involvement of stakeholders, mostly employees. As far as providing hygienic working conditions is concerned, one must focus on better connecting occupational health and safety (OHS) with positive targets of the company, i.e. health promotion, efficiency increase and business excellence. It is becoming all the more important since the results of European research point out that the main source of stress at work is its psychosocial layer. Problems such as work-related stress, mobbing or discrimination are commonly considered to be the main challenges for OHS. The aim of the article is to emphasize that protecting the employees from psychosocial factors is not only necessitated by the law, but also is an ethical issue and a part of social responsibility of business. The article presents author's prevention model of psychosocial risk which can be implemented in any enterprises. It also shows examples of good practices of psychosocial risk reduction based on the cases presented in the literature.

scholarly journals Healthy occupational culture for a worker-friendly workplace / Kultura zdravih organizacija – radna mjesta prijatelji radnika

2015 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Igor Grabovac ◽  
Jadranka Mustajbegović
Keyword(s):  
Safety Culture ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Psychosocial Health ◽  
Occupational Culture ◽  
Social Growth ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Physical Hazards ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
Stress At Work ◽  
Productivity And Competitiveness

Abstract Work has numerous health and wellbeing benefits, but it also involves physical hazards and psychological exertion. Today the scale has tipped toward psychosocial factors. Workers’ mental health affects their intellectual, emotional, and social growth, as well as work ability, productivity, and ultimately organisational productivity and competitiveness on the market. Even though companies may have an internal hierarchy that lowers stress at work, there are other formal and informal social processes that can affect (positively or negatively) the cohesion within the work unit. Safety culture of an organisation is a product of individual and group values, opinions, competences, and behavioural patterns that determine how occupational health and safety are implemented. Organisations that nurture positive safety culture understand the importance of health and safety and believe in prevention rather than dealing with consequences. Jobs that are stable, autonomous, and reasonably physically and psychologically demanding are far more likely to lower work-related stress and boost worker satisfaction. In fact, employee empowerment is one of the best ways to achieve good psychosocial health at the workplace.

scholarly journals PSYCHOSOCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Snežana Živković ◽  
Miodrag Milenović ◽  
Tomislav Rakić
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Psychosocial Risk ◽  
Psychosocial Risks ◽  
Organisational Effectiveness ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Political Problem ◽  
Related Stress

Nowadays, risk is considered to be a serious economic, public and political problem. Professional risk and work-related stress have the potential to negatively affect an individual psychological and physical health, as well as an organisational effectiveness. Psychosocial risks as a likelihood that work-related psychosocial hazards will have a negative impact on employees’ health and safety through their perceptions and experience have been identified as one of the major contemporary challenges for occupational safety and health. Psychosocial risk management is based on the principles of prevention and aims at risk elimination or reduction. Key words: psychosocial risk, management, preventive measures, risk assessment, stress

scholarly journals Ergonomics Hazards and Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Workers of Health Care Facilities

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 251-258
Author(s):  
Almas Hamid ◽  
Alizae Salaam Ahmad ◽  
Sarah Dar ◽  
Sana Sohail ◽  
Faiza Akram ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Health ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Healthcare Facility ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Psychosocial Hazards ◽  
Chemical Spills ◽  
Related Stress

The present study is conducted to determine occupational health and safety hazards with special focus on ergonomic hazards among healthcare facility (HCF) workers. A structured questionnaire survey was conducted among 200 workers in five HCFs of Lahore, Pakistan. Among the reported ergonomic hazards, muscle aches/ sprains (76.5%), elbow/ wrist/ neck pain (56.0%), body posture issues (56.0%), excessive stretching of muscles (67.5%) and bending/ twisting at work (55.5%) were commonly encountered. Biological hazards included incidences of cuts/wounds/ lacerations (69.0%), contact with specimens (56.0%), exposure of airborne diseases (64.0%) and other infections (72.0%) inspite of the fact that majority (90.0%) were aware of procedures where needle stick injuries are most likely to occur and knowledgeable on occupational infections. Physical hazards included slips/trips/falls (65.0%), high noise levels (64.0%) and chemical spills (54.0%). A significant percentage of workers experienced psychosocial hazards including work related stress (77.0%) and some form of psychosocial or physical abuse (68.5%). Despite workers awareness about occupational health hazards and implementation of control measures by HCF to mitigate hazards (especially biological) prevalence of hazards was reported. Hence, there is a need to improve working standards and conditions to reduce the occurrence of ergonomic and psychosocial hazards.

scholarly journals Psychosocial Risk Factors from the Perception of Women Researchers Belonging to the SNI

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (14) ◽  
pp. 121
Author(s):  
Blanca Estela Aarun Lopez ◽  
Ana Maria Alejandra Herrera Espinosa
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Psychosocial Risk Factors ◽  
Psychosocial Risk ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Family Integration ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Work Family

This investigation had the objective to identify the perception of women holding PhD degrees awarded by the National Researchers System (SNI) regarding five work environment psychosocial risk factors, stress, burnout, mobbing, work-family integration and gender. A qualitative research was performed involving six female researchers working in either public or private institutions. A content analysis technique was used to process the information procured through a semi-structured interview. Work-related stress was found to be part of their lives determined by excess of work with subsequent physical and emotional manifestations; burnout and mobbing were not a constant as not all had experienced them; work-family integration had not been achieved, often resulting in conflict particularly at a certain stage of life when children were young; and, finally, with regard to gender, there were negative stereotypes concerning the role in their field of research.

scholarly journals Work-related stress among headteachers in Wales: Prevalence, sources, and solutions

2021 ◽  
pp. 174114322110546
Author(s):  
Stuart Scott ◽  
Caroline Limbert ◽  
Peter Sykes
Keyword(s):  
High Pressures ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
School Level ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Work Related Stress ◽  
School Improvements ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Underlying Causes ◽  
Personal Resilience ◽  
Related Stress

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence, sources, and underlying causes of work-related stress among headteachers in Wales and to identify possible solutions. An online questionnaire was sent to all 1588 headteachers across Wales. The questionnaire included demographic questions, Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Management Standards Tool, a list of known stressors, and open questions exploring the underlying causes and possible solutions. A total of 359 (22.6%) headteachers completed the survey. Two-thirds of participants reported experiencing levels of stress that were rated as ‘high’. Pressures of managing greater demands and increasing workload with fewer financial resources and a lack of support from local authorities were the main sources of stress. Solutions focused on improved funding to enhance staffing and resources at a school level, reduced accountability, and improved support. The findings indicated that a multi-faceted, multi-level, intervention approach, extending beyond improving personal resilience and individual school improvements, into regional and national opportunities for change, is likely to be most effective in reducing work-related stress within the profession.

scholarly journals Research on psychosocial risks in the context of intervention and rescue activities in toxic / flammable / explosive environments

2021 ◽  
Vol 342 ◽  
pp. 01007
Author(s):  
Izabella Kovacs ◽  
Andrei Lucian Gireadă ◽  
Alin Irimia ◽  
Laurenţiu Munteanu
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Health ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Occupational Health And Safety ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Work Related Stress ◽  
Psychosocial Risks ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Safety Risks ◽  
Health And Safety Risks ◽  
Related Stress

Work implies interaction of several components such as equipment, work environment, work load and human factor. Prevention of work accident and occupational diseases is mainly based on knowledge and assessment of occupational risks associated with each workplace. Psychosocial risks are usually caused by stress, thus being greatly influenced by individual perceptions. Identifying psychosocial risks is based on the analysis of individual reactions to external factors and activities. Worldwide, work related stress is seen as a major present-day challenge, faced by occupational health and safety specialists. Considered at organizational level and not as individual issues, psychosocial risks and stress can be managed to the same extent as any other occupational health and safety risk. The growing issue of protecting emergency workers against occupational health and safety risks has been highlighted as a priority by many experts. Demands on intervention and rescue personnel, as well as occupational health and safety risks will increase as they face larger events both in number and magnitude and severity. The current paper will summarize key issues related to work-related stress and will discuss how stress at work can be best managed in the context of intervention and rescue activities in toxic / flammable / explosive environments.

scholarly journals Psychosocial Risk, Work-Related Stress, and Job Satisfaction among Domestic Waste Collectors in the Ho Municipality of Ghana: A Phenomenological Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (8) ◽  
pp. 2903 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Yaw Lissah ◽  
Martin Amogre Ayanore ◽  
John Krugu ◽  
Robert A. C. Ruiter
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Solid Waste ◽  
Work Environments ◽  
Psychosocial Risk ◽  
Domestic Waste ◽  
Work Related Stress ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Medical Needs ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Related Stress

Domestic waste collectors play key roles in the collection and disposal of solid waste in Ghana. The work environment and conditions under which domestic waste collectors operate influence their job satisfaction ratings and health outcomes. This study investigated psychosocial risk factors, work-related stress and job satisfaction needs among municipal solid waste collectors in the Ho Municipality of Ghana. A phenomenological design was applied to collect data among 64 domestic waste collectors, 12 managers, and 23 supervisors of two waste companies in Ho Municipality, Ghana. Data were collected from June–August 2018 using in-depth interview and focus group discussion guides. Interviews were supplemented by field observations. Data were analyzed using inductive and deductive content procedures to form themes based on the study aim. Four themes emerged from the study. The study results revealed that domestic waste collector’s poor attitudes and safety behaviors such as not wearing personal protective equipment, poor enforcement of safety standards by supervisors and managers, and work-related stress caused by poor working environments impact negatively on domestic waste collector’s health and safety. Other factors such as poor enforcement of standard company regulations, poor work relations, non-clear work roles, lack of social protection to meet medical needs, poor remuneration, negative community perceptions of domestic waste collectors job, work environments, and workloads of domestic waste collectors were reported to negatively impact on work stress and job satisfaction needs. In conclusion, the findings are important in informing the necessary waste management policies aimed at improving decent work environments, as well as improving the health and well-being of domestic waste collectors in both the formal and informal sectors in Ghana.

scholarly journals Self-Efficacy as a Moderator between Stress and Professional Burnout in Firefighters

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Makara-Studzińska ◽  
Krystyna Golonka ◽  
Bernadetta Izydorczyk
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Personal Resource ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
Stress At Work ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
General Self Efficacy ◽  
Separate Regression

The purpose of the study is to analyze the importance of individual resources in firefighting, one of the highest risk professions. Firefighters from 12 different Polish provinces (N = 580; men; M (mean age) = 35.26 year, SD = 6.74) were analyzed regarding the perceived stress at work, burnout, self-efficacy, and a broad range of sociodemographic variables. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Link Burnout Questionnaire (LBQ), and the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) were used in the study. To explore the relationships between work-related stress, burnout, and self-efficacy, separate regression models for each burnout dimension were analyzed. The results revealed that self-efficacy is a significant moderator that changes the direction and strength of the relationships between perceived stress and psychophysical exhaustion, sense of professional inefficacy, and disillusion. However, self-efficacy did not moderate the relationship between stress and lack of engagement in relationships (relationship deterioration). The results indicate that self-efficacy in firefighters is a crucial personal resource that buffers the impact of perceived stress on most burnout symptoms. It may be concluded that in high risk professions, special attention should be paid to developing self-efficacy as an important part of burnout prevention programs, pro-health activities, and psychoeducation.

The Validity of the Short UK Health and Safety Executive Stress Indicator Tool For the Assessment of the Psychosocial Work Environment in Italy

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 149-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristian Balducci ◽  
Luciano Romeo ◽  
Margherita Brondino ◽  
Gianluigi Lazzarini ◽  
Francesca Benedetti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Measurement Invariance ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Stress Factors ◽  
Work Related Stress ◽  
Stress Indicator ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Item Questionnaire ◽  
Related Stress

Abstract. The Health and Safety Executive Stress Indicator Tool (SIT) is a 35-item questionnaire to assess exposure to seven common psychosocial factors involved in the genesis of work-related stress. Recent work conducted in the UK has provided evidence that the SIT may be reduced to a 25-item questionnaire (the SIT-25) showing the same seven-factor model and criterion-related validity of the SIT. The SIT is the most widely used tool to assess work-related stress factors in Italy, with benchmark (normative) data managed by the Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority. Thus, we conducted two studies to further test whether in Italy the SIT may be reduced to the SIT-25. In Study 1 a heterogeneous sample of workers (N = 588, 39.5% females) was used to further test the seven-factor model of the SIT-25 and its criterion-related validity with mental well-being. In Study 2 two new samples of workers (N = 625, 69.8% females; and N = 344, 3.2% females) from health and metal-mechanical sectors were used to assess the degree of measurement invariance of the SIT-25 and further test its criterion-related validity. Overall the results showed that the SIT-25 data fit the postulated seven-factor solution and that the reduced subscales (i.e., Demands, Control, Relationships, and Role) have the same criterion-related validity as their longer version. Additionally, the SIT-25 showed strong measurement invariance in the two different samples of workers of Study 2. These results provide further encouraging evidence that the SIT-25 may be effectively used in place of its longer version.

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