Assessment of Risk Factors for Psychosocial Hazards among Workers in a Tertiary Institution in Nigeria: The Need for a Safer Work Environment

摘要

Background: Work place psychosocial hazards are assuming a central place in occupational health and safety, especially in developing countries like Nigeria. Psychosocial hazards refer to the mental stresses of work including all sources of fatigue and stress caused by work, work structure, design and regulation that affect output and employee’s wellbeing and health. Several factors have been identified to increase the risks of psychosocial hazards. A number of risk factors may predispose workers to certain work place hazards. Aim: The study was to assess the possible risk factors for psychosocial hazards among Workers at the University of Port Harcourt. Methodology: Ethical approval for the study was obtained and 600 consenting staffers of the University of Port Harcourt were recruited by systematic random sampling and a risk Matrix which is a validated instrument (interviewer administered) as well as a pretested structured closed ended self administered questionnaire was distributed among respondents. Results were presented using descriptive and analytical methods. Results: From the study, risk factors for psychosocial hazards included work load with 548 (98.2%), followed by home-work interface with 458 (82.0%), lack of possibilities to advance forward 392 (70.1%), lack of career development 327 (58.7%), work content with 329 (60%) while constant state of alertness (CSA) was the least with 98 (17.6%). Conclusion: Workers at the University of Port Harcourt experienced or are faced with a number of risk factors for psychosocial hazards; most of them are organizational and employer’s factors. Therefore there is a need to institute appropriate measures to address preventable risk factors and improve the work environment thereby increasing workers effectiveness, productivity and improving their health.