Effects of a Workplace Intervention Targeting Psychosocial Risk Factors on Safety and Health Outcomes

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Workplace Interventions
• Psychosocial Risk Factors

Background:

• Work-life stress and safety-related psychosocial risks negatively affect worker health and safety.
• Construction workers face unique occupational stressors impacting well-being.
• Effective interventions are needed to mitigate these risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a workplace intervention designed to reduce work-life stress and address safety-related psychosocial risk factors.
• To assess the intervention's impact on objective and self-reported health and safety outcomes among construction workers.

Main Methods:

• A randomized control trial involving 264 construction workers from an urban municipal department.
• Intervention included computer-based supervisor training, behavior tracking, and a team effectiveness session.
• Data collected over time, with a 12-month follow-up for health and safety outcomes.

Main Results:

• A significant positive effect on an objective measure of blood pressure was observed at 12 months.
• No significant improvements were found in self-reported general health, safety participation, or safety compliance.
• The intervention showed a targeted benefit for a physiological health marker.

Conclusions:

• Workplace interventions focusing on supervisor support and team effectiveness show potential for improving employee health.
• Further refinement of such programs is necessary to enhance their impact on worker safety outcomes.
• Continued research is recommended to optimize interventions for comprehensive health and safety benefits.