Exposure to Psychosocial Risk Factors at Work and the Incidence of Occupational Injuries: A Cohort Study in Spain

J Occup Environ Med. 2016 Mar;58(3):282-6. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000000614.

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study is to analyze the association between the exposure to psychosocial risk factors at work and the incidence of occupational injuries (OIs).

Methods: A prospective dynamic cohort study (n = 16,693) of 1-year follow-up. Psychosocial risk factors at work were assessed with the Spanish version of Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire. Incidence rates of OI per 1000 workers-year were calculated and associations between psychosocial risk factors and OI were estimated by Poisson regression models.

Results: Unfavorable levels of esteem in men [rate ratio (RR) = 1.28], and unfavorable levels of social support and quality of leadership (RR = 1.87), psychological demands (RR = 2.20), and active work and possibilities for development (RR = 1.83) among women, were associated with OI incidence.

Conclusions: Poor quality of psychosocial work environment increases the incidence of OI. Psychosocial intervention programs could be helpful in order to reduce OI incidence rates and their associated costs.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Career Mobility
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Leadership
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Health*
  • Occupational Injuries / epidemiology*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Self Concept
  • Sex Factors
  • Social Support
  • Spain / epidemiology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Workplace / psychology*
  • Young Adult