A comprehensive risk assessment represents the basic first step on the path to effective occupational safety. This process goes far beyond simply identifying physical risks and also takes into account the psychological stress that can occur in everyday working life. In Germany, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (ArbSchG) provides that both physical and psychological Stress factors be regularly examined at the workplace to ensure the health and safety of employees (DGUV, 2024).
These assessments are not only required by law, but also provide an important basis for identifying potential risks at an early stage and taking appropriate protective measures. Physical stress factors primarily relate to physical work, such as lifting, carrying, pulling and pushing loads, as well as repetitive movements and forced postures, which can severely strain the body. If ergonomics are inadequate or overworked, this work can cause long-term health problems, such as musculoskeletal disorders, which lead to loss of work.
The work environment also plays a decisive role: Noise, vibrations, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting and poor air quality are among the most common risk factors that endanger physical health at work. In addition, potential hazards from work equipment and substances, such as handling chemicals or machines, must also be considered. Accident risks such as falls, cuts and bruises as well as electric shocks, fires or explosions represent further significant physical risks that can be minimized by appropriate protective measures (BAuA, 2024).
While physical occupational safety has been the focus for a long time, the mental health of employees is becoming increasingly important. Psychological stress factors include various aspects of work organization and the social environment. These include monotonous or underdemanding tasks, overdemanding or underdemanding employees, and lack of opportunities to influence the workflow. Factors such as time pressure, frequent interruptions and inadequate break arrangements, which can lead to considerable stress in the long term, are particularly problematic. Social factors also play an important role:
A poor working environment, lack of support from supervisors or colleagues, conflicts at work, and bullying or discrimination can severely affect mental health and increase the risk of burnout (GDA, 2024). Another important psychological risk factor is job insecurity, which can be triggered by fixed-term employment contracts, economic instability in the company or impending job losses. Studies show that these uncertainties can cause anxiety, stress and sleep disorders among employees.
At a time when flexibility and rapid adjustments to market changes are required from companies, it is crucial that managers counteract these psychological burdens in a targeted manner and ensure stability and security through transparent communication and professional development opportunities.
In addition to physical and psychological factors, the ergonomic design of the workplace also plays a central role in modern occupational safety. Ergonomic stress is a common cause of physical complaints, particularly in office environments. Inadequately designed sitting or standing workstations, poor posture when working at a computer, and unergonomic work equipment can lead to muscle tension, back pain or vision problems. These problems not only affect the well-being of employees, but also their performance.
Optimized ergonomic workplace design — from height-adjustable desks to ergonomic chairs to screens that are oriented at eye level — can significantly reduce the risk of such complaints. Individual and social stress factors also play an important role in occupational safety.
The personal resilience, mental and physical health, and individual coping strategies of employees vary greatly from person to person. Family and private burdens, such as reconciling work and family or caring for relatives, can also cause stress and health problems. Companies that support their employees in these areas, for example through flexible working hours or home office options, make a valuable contribution to reducing individual burdens.
Carrying out a thorough risk assessment forms the basis for companies to Occupational safety measures be able to develop. Prevention is paramount because it helps prevent accidents and prevent long-term health problems. The Joint German Occupational Safety Strategy (GDA) highlights that companies can significantly reduce their accidents at work and work-related illnesses by consistently and systematically carrying out risk assessments. But which measures have proven particularly effective in practice?
Another aspect that is becoming increasingly important is the combination of sustainability and occupational safety. Companies that rely on sustainable production methods and minimize environmental pollution can also protect the health of their employees at the same time. Sustainability in occupational safety means using resources sparingly and using environmentally friendly technologies that reduce the burden on employees.
For example, reducing emissions or using pollution-free materials helps to improve air quality and thus to the well-being of employees. In addition, it is important to design everyday working life in such a way that it not only protects health in the long term, but also promotes well-being. Sustainable workplace design includes not only physical aspects such as ergonomic furniture or noise reduction, but also measures to promote mental health. This includes flexible working hours, options for working from home, as well as targeted programs to manage stress and strengthen resilience.
Occupational safety is not only a legal obligation, but also an essential basis for sustainable corporate success. Companies that protect their employees and promote their health benefit from higher productivity and reduced downtime in the long term. Healthy and satisfied employees are known to be less susceptible to absences from work and sick days, which directly contributes to increasing operational efficiency.
In times of a shortage of skilled workers and increasing demands on employer attractiveness, sound occupational health and safety management is becoming a strategic competitive advantage. Companies that take their responsibilities in the area of occupational safety seriously position themselves as attractive employers and strengthen their reputation. This not only helps retain existing employees, but also helps
Source:
Lea Stupan is a mental health consultant at mentalport and specializes in implementing risk assessments of psychological stress in medium-sized companies. As a certified business coach and expert in occupational health management, she supports HR teams in implementing them in accordance with the ArbSchG. Her expertise includes change management, raising awareness of psychological stress and the development of tailor-made prevention strategies to reduce presentism and absenteeism.
Start now with no obligation & free of charge
-fotor-20240108171455.jpg)
