Evaluation of psychosocial risk factors at the workplace: A pilot study in a mid-size company in Chile

Abstract

Introduction: Psychosocial risk factors in the workplace are equivalent to other occupational risks, to which long-term exposure can cause damage to one’s health. These risks lead to stress and are the precursors of health issues such as cardiovascular and musculoskeletal diseases and mental health and behavioural problems. The Spanish CoPsoQ-istas21 questionnaire model is an international assessment tool for psychosocial risk factors. Although Chile is associated with positive economic development and workplace health, recent epidemiological and economic changes, as well as routine hazards in the workplace, have contributed to unresolved physical and psychosocial health problems. The objective of this cross-sectional pilot study is to measure and analyse the psychosocial risk factors in a mid-size company in Chile. El Pangue is a mid-size enterprise, which represents the industrial economic sector and is a good example of a typical Chilean business organisation. Method: This is a pilot cross-sectional study that included the 57 employees of El Pangue. The CoPsoq-istas21 intermediate version for companies with 25 or more employees was used as the evaluation tool. This measure places participants into categories (unfavourable, intermediate, and favourable) by calculating a scale value from the average of the weights associated with the response options. The percentage of participants in an unfavourable category for a particular psychosocial dimension indicates the proportion of people who have high levels of exposure to that psychosocial risk. Results: Results are organised by risk factor and department. The total response rate was 86%. The pace of work was the most frequently occurring psychosocial risk factor, with 68% of participants falling in an unfavourable category. The second and third most common risk factors were insufficient social support from peers and insecurity over working conditions, respectively. The psychosocial dimensions of vertical trust, demands for concealing emotions, recognition, and justice were the least problematic areas of potential risk, and can be seen as strengths of the company. Discussion: Quantitative demands of work presented the highest level of risk, likely because of the industrial nature of the company. Problems with interpersonal relations and leadership reflect concerns about culture and support in the organisation. Dissatisfaction regarding job insecurity and working conditions likely reflect the economic fluctuations that are affecting El Pangue. Conclusion: The study generates a baseline of risks that might influence workers’ health, speculates potential origins of each risk within the company, and proposes interventions to address the origins of these risk factors.