Workplace Psychosocial Risks and Prevention

Impact of Psychosocial Factors

Physiological Consequences

Such problems occur, leading to increased blood pressure, fatigue, muscle tension, sleep disorders, and psychosomatic symptoms.

Psychological Consequences

Workers may experience problems such as anxiety, irritability, dissatisfaction, difficulty making decisions, emotional exhaustion, and substance abuse.

Altered Behavior

Manifestations include obsessive, rigid, and unthinking behaviors, decreased work performance, absenteeism, excessive substance and alcohol use, and difficulties in personal and work relationships.

Physical Health Problems

Emergence of somatic complaints, musculoskeletal disorders, hypertension, gastric ulcers, loss of antibodies, and increased vulnerability to infection, which can increase the risk of workplace accidents.

Risk Prevention Programs

Management Requirements

• Clearly identify roles: Define responsibilities within a loss control program and expectations.
• Measure job performance: Focus on measuring all differentiating aspects of the work, not just loss metrics. Include performance indices and the impact of existing losses within the company.

Key Steps in a Risk Prevention Program

It is based on four key steps:

1. Diagnosis of the situation: This is governed by the following parameters: accident statistics, management audits, hazard identification, risk assessment, risk mapping, and job valuation methods.
2. Definition of Objectives: Based on statistics, ensure objectives are clearly defined, realistic, and achievable. Evaluate results to confirm achievements.
3. Allocation of resources: Allocate resources considering the optimal balance between accident costs and prevention costs. Justify proposed actions based on the degree of risk.
4. Allocation of duties and responsibilities: Responsibilities must be distributed directly through the company's chain of command.

Accident statistics provide necessary information for specific actions within a prevention program and for assessing program achievements.

Characteristics of a Prevention Program

It should be adjusted to the peculiarities and realities of each company, reflecting its prevention policy.

Components of a Prevention Program

Must include:

• Policies and procedures
• Training programs
• Risk assessment and communication
• Emergency planning
• Control of goods and services purchases
• Medical surveillance