Psychosocial risk factors’ management: case studyin a medium sized Salvadoran company

Abstract

Psychosocial risk factors are anything in the design or management of work that increases the risk of work-related stress. Their assessment is legally required in Salvadoran companies, nevertheless, the legislation itself lacks a specific methodology to comply with such requirements. In 2020, the Spanish National Institute of Health and Safety at Work (INSST) published a methodology to assist Micro and Small Enterprises in managing these factors that can also be used for larger companies. This article presents a case study in a medium-sized advertising Salvadoran company, where this methodology was applied in positions of its production department. The information required for its application was obtained through consultation with workers along with the review of their job descriptors and direct observation of work. The results indicate that all the jobs analyzed have psychosocial factors in adverse conditions. The most predominant ones were associated with autonomy, work pace, time and emotional demands, all with a medium level of importance. It was identified that taking on orders with short delivery deadlines modified the planning and extension of working hours, contributing to the situation observed. Based on this information, various measures were suggested, such as conducting capability and workload studies along with improving planning visibility. Given that the methodology facilitated the management of psychosocial factors, was easy to use and had a participatory approach, the experience of this research suggests that it can be an alternative for other micro, small and medium-sized Salvadoran companies to respond to regulatory requirements, ensuring the welfare of workers.

Realidad Empresarial No. 18, 2024: 76-95.