Psychosocial Factors in the Safety Level in an Industrial Process: The Case Study of a Cement Producer

Abstract

Psychosocial risk factors are a major concern at European level, being the source of the increase in health complaints by workers, with implications in potential work-related accidents. Against this background, there was a need to study this subject. We propose, in this thesis, an analysis the relationship between working conditions and health and wellness perceived by workers. The study was conducted in three Portuguese cement plants, with a sample of 192 workers in manufacturing and maintenance areas. For data collection, it was used the INSAT inquiry. To process the data, it was used descriptive statistics and regression models to examine the association between working conditions and health and wellness. The results showed that some features of the work - relational and temporal aspects of work - are factors that affect negatively the worker’s health. The implementation of a safety culture, with a strong commitment from the leaders, constitutes a mean to reduce the effects of these factors on the worker’s health and daily life.