%0 Journal Article
%T Assessment of Risk Factors for Psychosocial Hazards among Workers in a Tertiary Institution in Nigeria: The Need for a Safer Work Environment
%A A. K. Nkporbu
%A E. O. Asuquo
%A K. E. Douglas
%J Open Access Library Journal
%V 3
%N 10
%P 1-16
%@ 2333-9721
%D 2016
%I Open Access Library
%R 10.4236/oalib.1103104
%X <div style="text-align:justify;">
	<span style="line-height:1.5;">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 ps</span><span style="line-height:1.5;">ychosocial 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.</span>
</div>
%K Risk Factors
%K Psychosocial Hazards
%K Workers
%U http://www.oalib.com/paper/5275093