Job stress: an in-depth investigation based on the HSE questionnaire and a multistep approach in order to identify the most appropriate corrective actions

Background. Psychosocial hazards and work-related stress have
reached epidemic proportions in Europe. The Italia law introduced in
2008 the obligation for Italian companies to assess work related stress
risk in order to protect their workers’ safety and health. The purpose
of our study was to propose an accurate measurement tool, using the
HSE indicator tool, for more appropriate and significant work-related
stress’ prevention measures.
Methods. The study was conducted on 204 visual display unit
(VDU) operators: 106 male and 98 female. All subjects were administered
the HSE questionnaire. The sample was studied through a 4
step process, using HSE analysis tool and a statistical analysis, based
on the odds ratio calculation.
Results The assessment model used demonstrated the presence
of work related stress in VDU operators and additional “critical”
aspects which had failed to emerge by the classical use of HSE
analysis tool.
Discussions. The approach we propose allows to obtain a complete
picture of the perception of work-related stress and can point out the
most appropriate corrective actions.