PSYCHOSOCIAL RISK ASSESSMENT IN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY


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Yapıcı N.

5th International Turkish World Educational Sciences and Social SciencesCongress, Antalya, Turkey, 21 - 24 November 2024, pp.152-161

  • Publication Type: Conference Paper / Full Text
  • City: Antalya
  • Country: Turkey
  • Page Numbers: pp.152-161
  • Çukurova University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The coming together and interaction of societies over time have led to an increase in the needs that require attention in this direction. The most prominent example of this development began with the transition from a nomadic to a settled lifestyle. This process, which started with agriculture and mining, has continued with the emergence of new technological initiatives and inventions of the era. With the acceleration of the transition to the information age, work stress and workload have increased, leading to heightened stress on employees and causing negative impacts in terms of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS).

Psychosocial risks, which are a significant component of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), refer to the likelihood of hazards that affect employees' mental health, job satisfaction, and interpersonal relationships, and that cause stress (Dollard et al., 2007; ISO, 2021; ILO, 2020). Particularly when considering the health issues caused by work-related stress, psychosocial risk factors are recognized as phenomena that negatively impact employee productivity. Work-related stress can lead to increased use of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs, resulting in psychosocial risk factors affecting not only the employee's professional life but also their family and social life. The field of occupational health and safety is not only the least known and discussed area, but it is also the area with the least clarity in terms of definition and solution. The loss of productivity, absenteeism, increased healthcare expenses, theft, and sabotage caused by psychosocial risks impose a significant financial burden on workplaces due to the resulting injuries and early retirement payments.

Identifying the problems encountered by field workers using checklists and risk assessment methods, as well as utilizing psychosocial risk assessment tools, is extremely important for organizations to fulfill their responsibilities in the field of Occupational Health and Safety.