Psychosocial Risks: Identification and Prevention
Psychosocial risks (PSR) have become a major occupational health issue. They encompass all risks to mental and physical health generated by employment conditions, work organization and professional relationships. This article presents the legal framework, the six risk factor families identified by the Gollac report, diagnostic tools, employer obligations and primary, secondary and tertiary prevention levers.
PSR: Definition and Stakes
Psychosocial risks are defined as risks to mental, physical and social health generated by employment conditions and organizational and relational factors likely to interact with mental functioning. They include stress, harassment, workplace violence, burnout and conflicts.
Six Risk Factor Families (Gollac Report)
1. Work intensity and time
- Overload, pace constraints, unrealistic objectives
- Atypical schedules, difficult work-life balance
2. Emotional demands
- Contact with suffering, hiding emotions, confrontation with violence
3. Lack of autonomy
- Low decision latitude, skill underuse, monotony
4. Degraded social relations
- Conflicts, harassment, isolation, lack of support or recognition
5. Values conflicts
- Prevented quality, useless or unethical work perceived
6. Job insecurity
- Contractual precarity, restructuring, dismissal threats
Employer Obligations
Employers have a safety obligation including mental health protection. They must evaluate psychosocial risks, implement prevention actions, train managers and respond to harassment reports.
Three Prevention Levels
Primary: Act on Causes
- Reorganize work to reduce identified risk factors
- Increase autonomy and decision-making participation
- Improve communication and transparency
Secondary: Help Individuals Cope
- Stress management training, support groups, psychological listening
Tertiary: Support Affected Individuals
- Harassment reporting and treatment systems
- Return-to-work support, position adjustment, follow-up
Diagnostic Tools
- Karasek Questionnaire: evaluates psychological demand, decision latitude and social support
- Siegrist Questionnaire: evaluates effort/reward imbalance
- COPSOQ: comprehensive tool covering all 6 dimensions
- HR indicators: absenteeism, turnover, workplace accidents, complaints
Medical Disclaimer
The information presented in this article is provided for educational purposes only. If facing psychosocial risks, consult an occupational doctor, psychologist or employee representative. In case of harassment, contact labor inspection or an employment lawyer.
Medical Disclaimer
The information presented in this article is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment prescription. If in doubt, always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare professional. The techniques described do not replace conventional medical treatment.