occupational health and safety research topics

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Editorial: Insights in occupational health and safety: 2022

Occupational medicine is rapidly evolving from preventing health and safety risks in the workplace to promoting health for the total wellbeing of the worker according to the NIOSH “Total Worker Health” approach ( 1 ). This “ Insights in occupational health and safety: 2022 ” Research Topic of 15 articles reflects this trend worldwide, with contributors from Asia, Europe, America, Africa, and Oceania. As for the 2021 edition ( 2 ), it includes forward-looking contributions focused on old and new occupational risk factors, recent advances and future perspectives in the field of Occupational Health and Safety.

From this perspective, Saberi et al. carried out an analysis to identify hot topics and Research Topics on occupational disease through the Web of Science from 1975 to 2021. The results showed occupational exposures, epidemiology, mental health, and respiratory diseases were the most important keywords used in these 45 years. In this regard, well-known forms of occupational and non-occupational exposure continue to pose a health risk in several countries of the world, including Italy ( 3 , 4 ). Zhao et al. investigated the association of coal mine dust lung disease (CMDLD) with nodular thyroid disease in coal miners in China, finding that CMDLD was the strongest independent exposure risk factor for the development of nodular thyroid disease in coal miners. In the same country, Shi et al. conducted an observational trend study on global disease burden and trends of leukemia attributable to occupational risk from 1990 to 2019, finding a substantial reduction in leukemia due to occupational risks. On the other hand, Yuan et al. investigated occupational blood-borne pathogen exposure among dental nurses finding a high prevalence of sharp injuries in particular with syringe needle. Despite significant efforts over the past decade, job-related injuries are still one of the largest reasons contributing to disabilities and life-threatening conditions in developed and developing countries. Penney et al. showed that occupational fatality rates within the Australian commercial fishing industry are significantly higher than currently reported and recurring factors contributing to deaths at sea are unaddressed. Mekonnen et al. conducted a cross-sectional study among coffee processing industry workers in Ethiopia, highlighting a high prevalence of work-related disease symptoms and occupational injuries. Age group 30–39 and 40–49, income level, experience, smoking cigarette were significantly associated with the work-related symptom and training related to the job was significantly associated with occupational injuries. Another sector at high risk of occupational injuries in Ethiopia is construction sector. According to the study conducted by Yosef et al. , the overall prevalence of occupational injuries among Bure industrial park construction workers was 39.4%. Being male, being married, no use of personal protective equipment, no training on occupational safety and not satisfied with the job were the factors associated with occupational injuries. Lee et al. compared the incidence of occupational diseases, avoidable hospitalization and all-cause death between firefighters and non-firefighters in Korea, from 2006 to 2005, finding that the standardized incidence ratios and hazard ratios for most diseases were high for firefighters. These studies show how occupational safety is still a highly relevant and serious issue worthy of academic attention and the research on strategies and policies to improve workers' safety behavior in reducing occupational injuries ( Kim et al. ) as well as workplace violence ( Hu et al. ) will become increasingly important in the future.

The “24-h society” that we have been approaching in recent years made night shift work a crucial factor in work organization, with well-established consequences on the workers' health and wellbeing. Regarding this issue Boini et al. evaluated the existing evidence on the effect of night-shift work on cardiovascular risk factors. After selection, 33 systematic reviews were included and the results confirmed an excess risk of diabetes, hypertension and overweight/obesity. Sleep duration is also independently associated with metabolic body size phenotypes ( Wang et al. ), while occupation type might be an independent factor in the development of diabetes ( Habu et al. ). Thus, occupational health physicians can give valuable help and support both to employers in planning the best possible shift schedule, and to workers in adopting the most appropriate personal coping strategies through ongoing health promotion interventions on modifiable lifestyle factors ( 5 , 6 ).

May 11, 2023, marks the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency ( 7 ). In In the last 3 years significant increase in the prevalence of mental health disorders in different occupational settings has been associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for healthcare workers, who are at a high risk of exposure to infection and several psycho-social and work-related risk factors ( 8 – 15 ). Ito et al. explored mental health conditions among occupational therapists during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating a direct link between therapists' mental health conditions and therapy quality. Edgelow et al. discussed the importance of adopting a broader conceptual approach to the study of public safety personnel mental health and proposed a novel model that highlights the need to consider the combined impacts of operational, organizational, and personal factors on public safety personnel mental health.

In conclusion, this “ Insights in occupational health and safety: 2022 ” Research Topic includes a variety of occupational health and safety topics that show the new direction taken by research in this field, reflecting the contemporary holistic approach to worker wellbeing to help improve worker health and safety.

Author contributions

LD: Conceptualization, Supervision, Writing—original draft, Writing—review and editing. AC: Conceptualization, Supervision, Writing—original draft, Writing—review and editing. SS: Conceptualization, Supervision, Writing—original draft, Writing—review and editing. LV: Conceptualization, Supervision, Writing—original draft, Writing—review and editing.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The author(s) declared that they were an editorial board member of Frontiers, at the time of submission. This had no impact on the peer review process and the final decision.

Publisher's note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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Occupational Safety and Health Administration

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Alphabetical Listing of Topics

• Accident Investigation (see Incident Investigation )
• Agricultural Operations
• Airline Industry
• Ammonia Refrigeration
• Apparel and Footwear Industry
• Asphalt (Bitumen) Fumes
• Autobody Repair and Refinishing
• Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
• Avian Influenza
• Backovers (see Preventing Backovers )
• Basic Steel Products
• Battery Manufacturing
• Biological Agents
• Bioterrorism
• Bloodborne Pathogens and Needlestick Prevention
• Brownfields
• Business Case for Safety and Health
• Butadiene, 1,3-
• Carcinogens
• Chemical Hazards and Toxic Substances
• Chemical Reactivity Hazards
• Cleaning Industry
• Coal Tar Pitch Volatiles
• Cold (see Winter Weather )
• Combustible Dust
• Commercial Diving
• Communication Towers
• Competent Person
• Compressed Gas and Equipment
• Computer Workstations
• Concrete and Concrete Products
• Confined Spaces
• Confined Spaces in Construction
• Construction Industry
• Construction Management Industry
• Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout)
• Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
• Cotton Dust
• Crane, Derrick, and Hoist Safety
• Cytomegalovirus
• Dermal Exposure
• Diesel Exhaust
• Direct-Reading Instruments
• Dry Cleaning
• Earthquakes
• Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) Radiation (See Non-Ionizing Radiation )
• Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution Industry
• Electrical Contractors Industry
• Emergency Preparedness and Response
• Ethylene Oxide
• Eye and Face Protection
• Fall Protection
• Fiberglass (see Synthetic Mineral Fibers )
• Fire Safety
• First Aid (see Medical and First Aid )
• Flavorings-Related Lung Disease
• Flood Preparedness and Response
• Foodborne Disease
• Formaldehyde
• General Industry
• General Safety and Health References
• Geo-Thermal Energy
• Grain Handling
• Green Roofs
• Green Tobacco Sickness
• Hair Salons: Facts about Formaldehyde in Hair Smoothing Products
• Hand and Power Tools
• Hazard Communication
• Hazardous Drugs
• Hazardous and Toxic Substances (see Chemical Hazards and Toxic Substances )
• Hazardous Waste
• Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER)
• Heat Illness Prevention Campaign
• Hexavalent Chromium
• Highway Work Zones and Signs, Signals, and Barricades
• Home Healthcare
• Hurricane Preparedness and Response
• Hydrogen Fuel Cells
• Hydrogen Sulfide
• Incident Investigation
• Indoor Air Quality
• Injury and Illness Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements
• Ionizing Radiation
• Isocyanates
• Laboratories
• Landscape and Horticultural Services
• Laser Hazards
• Laser/Electrosurgery Plume
• Latex Allergy
• Legionellosis (Legionnaires' Disease and Pontiac Fever)
• Long Work Hours, Extended or Irregular Shifts, and Worker Fatigue
• Lumber and Building Material Dealers Industry
• Machine Guarding
• Maritime Industry
• Meatpacking
• Medical Access Order
• Medical and First Aid
• Medical Screening and Surveillance
• Mental Health (see Workplace Stress )
• Metalworking Fluids
• Methylene Chloride
• Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)
• Motor Vehicle Safety
• Multiple Chemical Sensitivities
• Musculoskeletal Disorders (see Ergonomics )
• Nail Gun Safety
• Nail Salons
• Nanotechnology
• Noise and Hearing Conservation (see Occupational Noise Exposure )
• Non-Ionizing Radiation
• Novel Coronavirus
• Nursing Homes and Personal Care Facilities
• Occupational Asthma
• Occupational Epidemiology
• Occupational Noise Exposure
• Occupational Health Professionals
• Oil and Gas Extraction
• Oil and Gas Well Drilling, Servicing and Storage - Storage Tanks
• Pandemic Influenza
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Plastics Industry
• Poultry Processing
• Powered Industrial Trucks
• Pressure Vessels
• Preventing Backovers
• Printing Industry
• Process Safety Management
• Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard Mills
• Pyrotechnics Industry
• Radiation Emergency Preparedness and Response
• Radiological Dispersal Devices (RDD)/ Dirty Bombs
• Radiofrequency and Microwave Radiation (see Non-Ionizing Radiation )
• Recordkeeping (see Injury and Illness Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements )
• Reproductive Hazards
• Residential Construction Industry
• Respirator Change Schedules
• Respiratory Protection
• Restaurant Safety for Teen Workers
• Restrooms and Sanitation Requirements
• Safe + Sound Campaign
• Safety and Health Programs
• Sampling and Analysis
• Scaffolding
• Sealant, Waterproofing and Restoration Industry
• Seasonal Flu
• Semiconductors
• Shipbuilding and Ship Repair
• Silica, Crystalline
• Small Business
• Solar Energy
• Spray Operations
• Steel Erection
• Surface Contamination
• Synthetic Mineral Fibers
• Tickborne Disease
• Tornado Preparedness and Response
• Toxic Metals
• Tree Care Industry
• Trenching and Excavation
• Trucking Industry
• Tuberculosis
• Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis)
• Ventilation
• Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs)
• Warehousing
• Waste Anesthetic Gases
• Waste Management and Recycling
• Weather Insulating/Sealing
• Welding, Cutting, and Brazing
• Wind Energy
• Winter Weather
• Women in Construction
• Wood Products
• Woodworking
• Worker Fatigue (See Long Work Hours, Extended or Irregular Shifts, and Worker Fatigue )
• Workplace Stress
• Workplace Violence
• Young Workers

Articles on Occupational health and safety

Displaying 1 - 20 of 49 articles.

Millions of Australians have a chronic illness. So why aren’t employers accommodating them?

Peter Ghin , The University of Melbourne and Susan Ainsworth , The University of Melbourne

Disinfectants and cleaning products harboring toxic chemicals are widely used despite lack of screening for potential health hazards

Courtney Carignan , Michigan State University

National Day of Mourning offers Canada a chance to rethink worker health and safety

Julian Barling , Queen's University, Ontario and Alyssa Grocutt , Queen's University, Ontario

A dumpsite is no place for a child: study shows Nigeria’s young waste pickers are at risk

Amos Oluwole Taiwo , Olabisi Onabanjo University

Creative sentencing improves workplace safety: Why don’t we use it more?

Lianne M Lefsrud , University of Alberta ; Heather Eckert , University of Alberta , and Joel Gehman , George Washington University

We are filmmakers who work with firearms. This is what is important in on-set  safety

Christopher Gist , University of South Australia and Sarah Mayberry , The University of Melbourne

Tackling burnout: How to deal with stress and safety in the workplace

Kristen Deuzeman , Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

To create a better work environment after COVID-19 , we must truly hear employees

Elisabeth Rondinelli , Acadia University ; Rachel K. Brickner , Acadia University , and Rebecca Casey , Acadia University

Hearing loss is a neglected hazard for miners in South Africa

Nomfundo Moroe , University of the Witwatersrand

Depression, burnout, insomnia, headaches: how a toxic and sexist workplace culture can affect your health

Xi Wen (Carys) Chan , Griffith University and Paula Brough , Griffith University

Greencore factory: timeline of a coronavirus outbreak shows staff must be listened to

Tom Vickers , Nottingham Trent University ; Helen Shipton , Nottingham Trent University , and Wilson Wong , Nottingham Trent University

Unionized workers are more likely to assert their right to a safe and healthy workplace

Aaron Sojourner , University of Minnesota

Returning to the office: how to stay connected and socially distant

Daniel Beunza , City, University of London and Derin Kent , Aalto University

Here’s the proof we need. Many more health workers than we ever thought are catching COVID-19 on the job

Alicia Dennis , The University of Melbourne

Can Australian businesses force customers to wear a mask? Here’s what the law says

Rick Sarre , University of South Australia and Juliette McIntyre , University of South Australia

What employers need to know: the legal risk of asking staff to work in smokey air

Elizabeth Shi , RMIT University

Nail salon workers suffer chemical exposures that can be like working at a garage or a refinery

Lupita D. Montoya , University of Colorado Boulder and Aaron Lamplugh , University of Colorado Boulder

Engineered stone benchtops are killing our tradies. Here’s why a ban’s the only answer

Lin Fritschi , Curtin University and Alison Reid , Curtin University

What Tim Fischer’s cancer tells us about the impact of Agent Orange on other Vietnam veterans

Terry Slevin , Australian National University and Bruce Armstrong , University of Sydney

South Africa’s construction industry could become safer. Here’s how

Patrick Nwabueze Okonkwo , Stellenbosch University

Related Topics

• Coronavirus
• Health and safety
• Mental health
• Occupational health
• Workplace deaths
• Workplace health and safety
• Workplace safety

Top contributors

Senior Lecturer in Psychology, The Open University

Professor, RMIT University

Professor, Australian National University

Professor of Organisational Psychology, Griffith University

Professor of Epidemiology, Curtin University

Professor of Public Health, University of Sydney

Associate Professor, School of History and Politics, University of Wollongong

Associate professor, UNSW Sydney

Adjunct Professor, School of Psychology, Curtin University and College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University

Research professor, University of South Australia

Emeritus Professor of Law and Criminal Justice, University of South Australia

Professor, Southern Cross University

Partnership Facilitator, Southern Cross University

Senior Lecturer and Associate, Monash Centre for Commercial Law and Regulatory Studies, Monash University

Professor & CEO of the Institute for Safety, Compensation and Recovery Research, Monash University

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Home » Blog » Dissertation » Topics » Occupational Health and Safety » 80 Occupational Health and Safety Research Topics

80 Occupational Health and Safety Research Topics

FacebookXEmailWhatsAppRedditPinterestLinkedInWelcome to the world of Occupational Health and Safety research, where the well-being and safety of workers take centre stage. As a student seeking engaging research topics in occupational health and protection for your undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral-level studies, you’ve come to the right place. Occupational Health and Safety is as critical as it is […]

Welcome to the world of Occupational Health and Safety research, where the well-being and safety of workers take centre stage. As a student seeking engaging research topics in occupational health and protection for your undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral-level studies, you’ve come to the right place.

Occupational Health and Safety is as critical as it is diverse, encompassing various issues impacting individuals and organizations. In this blog post, we embark on a journey through the rich landscape of research opportunities in this field. Whether you’re intrigued by workplace safety strategies, employee well-being, technological advancements, or the intricate interplay between human factors and safety outcomes, these research topics will ignite your curiosity and provide a solid foundation for your academic exploration. Your insights and discoveries have the potential to shape safer and healthier workplaces, making a profound impact on the lives of workers worldwide.

A List Of Potential Research Topics In Occupational Health and Safety:

• Guiding resilience: investigating how organizations navigate safety challenges.
• Principles of resilience: guiding organizations in navigating evolving safety challenges.
• Exploring the link between occupational health and safety and employee productivity
• Investigating the effectiveness of safety leadership development programs
• The influence of occupational stress on decision-making and safety performance
• Tech talk: assessing the interplay between technology and traditional safety practices.
• Is employee empowerment crucial for fostering a culture of safety, and how is it achieved? A comprehensive study.
• Can the principles of resilience guide organizations in adapting to changing safety challenges? A comprehensive examination.
• The role of occupational health and safety in enhancing employee resilience
• Virtual horizons: assessing the efficacy of virtual reality in safety training.
• Investigating the impact of automation and robotics on occupational health and safety
• Behind the mask: understanding the impact of remote work on employee safety.
• The psychological and physiological impacts of occupational burnout on employee safety
• Striking a balance: the intersection of human-centric and technology-driven safety approaches.
• Enhancing safety culture in construction projects: best practices and challenges
• Can occupational health and safety programs align with environmental sustainability efforts? An exploratory inquiry.
• Building bridges: exploring the synergy between safety Incentive programs and employee behaviour.
• Tech-tonic shift: evaluating the role of technology in enhancing or hindering occupational health and safety.
• Can technology-driven safety monitoring systems enhance organizational safety culture? A thought-provoking study.
• Can safety incentive programs drive a culture of continuous safety improvement? A comprehensive analysis.
• Analyzing the role of leadership in navigating occupational health and safety during crises
• Is there a connection between mental health support and employee engagement in safety practices? A thought-provoking analysis.
• Game on: assessing the efficacy of gamification in enhancing safety awareness among employees.
• Is mental health support adequately integrated into occupational health and safety frameworks? An exploratory study.
• Does the use of technology in safety training effectively engage and educate employees? A comprehensive analysis.
• Can technology-driven safety monitoring systems enhance employee well-being? A critical examination.
• Promoting psychological safety in the workplace: strategies and implementation
• Cultivating safety: the dynamic relationship between leadership styles and safety culture.
• Can leadership communication effectively promote safety as a shared value? An exploratory study.
• Exploring the integration of health promotion programs with occupational safety
• Is there a link between employee empowerment and a culture of safety innovation? An exploratory study.
• Does occupational health and safety intersect with corporate social responsibility initiatives? An exploratory inquiry.
• Safety beyond borders: analyzing the link between occupational health and safety and corporate social responsibility.
• Are organizational crisis management strategies aligned with occupational health and safety requirements? A critical review.
• Communicating safety: navigating how leadership communication shapes safety practices.
• Does the use of wearable technology enhance employee safety and well-being? A critical examination.
• Is the fear of repercussions hindering employees from reporting safety concerns? A comprehensive analysis.
• Psychological safety and reporting: unpacking the dynamics of speaking up for safety.
• Is there a connection between diversity and inclusion efforts and occupational health and safety outcomes? An in-depth analysis.
• Analyzing the relationship between occupational health and safety and employee engagement
• Safety through empowerment: investigating the connection between employee empowerment and safety behaviour.
• Can psychological safety at work significantly impact employee willingness to report safety concerns? A thought-provoking study.
• Embracing mental health: analyzing how mental health support programs impact safety outcomes.
• A matter of trust: investigating how safety training bridges the gap between compliance and behaviour.
• Does technology enhance or hinder occupational health and safety efforts? A comprehensive exploration.
• Assessing the effectiveness of personal protective equipment in hazard mitigation
• Investigating the effectiveness of safety training programs in reducing workplace accidents
• Exploring the Link between job insecurity and Safety Performance
• Are personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety gear effective in mitigating workplace hazards? A meticulous analysis.
• Is strict compliance with safety protocols enough, or should a safety-conscious mindset be emphasized? An investigation.
• Virtual boundaries: analyzing the role of wearable technology in safety enhancement.
• Analyzing the impact of work-from-home arrangements on employee well-being and safety
• Is employee engagement linked to a heightened commitment to occupational health and safety? A critical inquiry.
• Addressing mental health challenges in high-pressure work environments.
• Assessing the mental health implications of high-stress occupations and safety measures.
• Mental well-being and safety: unpacking the intricate relationship.
• Analyzing the role of safety climate in preventing occupational injuries
• Is the role of safety committees undervalued, and how do they contribute to a safer workplace? An exploratory analysis.
• Can gamification effectively promote safety awareness and compliance among employees? A comparative study.
• The role of leadership styles in shaping occupational health and safety culture
• Is the integration of human psychology critical in designing effective safety programs? A critical examination.
• The influence of leadership communication on occupational health and safety culture
• Can leadership communication positively influence the adoption of safety practices? A comprehensive analysis.
• Is the role of leadership styles in shaping safety behaviour underemphasized? A critical exploration.
• Beyond wearable tech: assessing the impact of wearable technology on employee safety and well-being.
• Does mental health stigma impede the reporting of safety concerns in the workplace? An in-depth analysis.
• Does the normalization of remote work hinder the implementation of traditional safety practices? A thought-provoking study.
• Is there a tension between human-centric and technology-driven safety practices? A thought-provoking analysis.
• Leading through adversity: exploring how leadership styles guide safety behaviour in challenging times.
• Can the integration of health promotion programs foster a safer work environment? A thorough examination.
• Lighting the path: assessing how leadership communication drives a culture of safety.
• The role of employee empowerment in enhancing safety awareness and compliance
• Evaluating the efficacy of safety communication strategies in enhancing workplace safety
• Bridging the gap: investigating the link between leadership styles and occupational health and safety practices.
• Well-being and wisdom: exploring the relationship between employee well-being and safety practices.
• Can promoting work-life integration enhance overall employee health and safety outcomes? A holistic analysis.
• Empowering resilience: how organizations embrace change to enhance safety practices.
• Is there a connection between perceived job security and employee commitment to safety? A thought-provoking analysis.
• Does the use of virtual reality enhance safety training effectiveness? A critical examination.
• Safety on the line: investigating the relationship between employee engagement and safety adherence.

In closing, the provided Occupational Health and Safety research topics encapsulate the vital realm of workplace well-being. As you explore these areas through your undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral dissertations, remember the lasting influence your contributions can have on workplace safety and employee welfare. Your research is a decisive step toward building safer, healthier work environments and shaping the future of occupational health practices.

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Insights in Occupational Health and Safety: 2021

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We are now entering the third decade of the 21st Century, and, especially in the last years, the achievements made by scientists have been exceptional, leading to major advancements in the fast-growing field of Occupational Health and Safety. Frontiers has organized a series of Research Topics to highlight ...

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An Urgent Call to Address Work-related Psychosocial Hazards and Improve Worker Well-being

Work-related psychosocial hazards are factors in the work environment that can cause stress, strain, or interpersonal problems for the worker. This has the potential to cause physical and psychological harm. Work-related psychosocial hazards are on the verge of surpassing many other occupational hazards in terms of their contribution to poor health, injury, disability, and costs. [1] [2] [3] [4] The extensive and cumulative impacts of these exposures represent an alarming public health problem that merits immediate, increased attention. A new report from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health examines the link between work-related psychosocial hazards and adverse effects and provides six crucial societal actions needed to address this pressing problem.

The link between work-related psychosocial hazards and adverse health effects

Work-related psychosocial hazards have been shown to cause physical injuries, burnout, cardiovascular disease, depression, high blood pressure, sleep disturbance, and suicidal ideation (see the full list in Table 2 of the report). Beyond their effects on health, psychosocial hazards can also impair workers’ ability to participate effectively in the work environment and with other people in and outside of work. [5] Research has shown:

• Associations between moderate level of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and work organization variables such as such as low job control and effort-reward imbalance [6]
• Job insecurity and long working hours are significantly associated with coronary heart disease, stroke, and depression [7]
• Job strain (the adverse outcome that results from exposure to job stressors such as the combination of work with high demands and low control) is associated with a 23% increase in coronary heart disease [8] and a 30% increase in the risk of stroke [9]
• Workers reporting job stressors such as job strain had an increased incidence of coronary artery disease [10]
• Workers who experienced workplace violence also experienced depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), burnout, sleep problems, increased use of antidepressants, and decreased job satisfaction and quality of life [11]
• Workers who reported high job demands, high job strain, and effort/reward-imbalance had an increased risk for workplace musculoskeletal disorders [12]

Burden of work-related psychosocial hazards and adverse physical and mental health effects

Most workers have the potential to be exposed to some degree of work-related psychosocial hazards due to meeting expectations and deadlines, working or interacting with others, balancing work with life responsibilities, and coping with difficult work organization processes. [13] [1]

The General Social Survey (GSS), 2018 – NIOSH Quality of work life (QWL) supplement revealed that in 2018:

• Close to 30% of workers responded that they, either always or often, found their work stressful.
• Almost 70% agreed that they had to work very fast, and 43% perceived that demand at their job interferes with their family life.
• Approximately 25% of workers believe they don’t have any decision-making power at work, and a similar percentage reported an inability to take time off work when needed.

Another study showed that between 2015 and 2019 non-fatal workplace violence events among workers increase by 25%. [4]

In terms of economic burden, a 2016 study assessed direct U.S. medical costs of exposure to 10 work-related psychosocial hazards at $187 billion (in 2014 dollars). [14]   Although the frequency of mental health workers compensation claims is low, it is increasing in the United States. This is possibly due to an increase in state workers’ compensation laws to cover these claims and increasing awareness of mental health conditions among workers and the connection to working conditions. [15]

What can employers do to address work-related psychosocial hazards?

In occupational safety and health, the hierarchy of controls has been used to prioritize effective, and sustainable control solutions. NIOSH adapted the hierarchy of controls to reflect Total Worker Health ® principles (eliminate, substitute, redesign, educate, encourage). This adapted version can serve as a framework for addressing work-related psychosocial hazards. [16]

There are multiple approaches employers can take to mitigate work-related psychosocial hazards, based on the hierarchy of controls. These approaches can target the organization (e. g., work redesign ) or the individual (e. g., health promotion and stress management programs) and can be delivered at primary, secondary, or tertiary prevention levels. [17] In general, efforts should start with applying primary prevention approaches at the broadest levels. In the case of psychosocial hazards, this means interventions that alter the working conditions, rather than individually-focused psychosocial supports. [18] Organizational-level solutions approaches are likely to be more effective, have broader impact, and be more sustainable. It is suggested that comprehensive approaches, which include both organizational and individual-level interventions, may be the most impactful and sustainable. [19] [20] [21]

Preventive Actions

While we continue to see an increase in worker exposure, we also see the growing impact on communities, companies, and our nation to work-related psychosocial hazards. The study authors provide six societal actions that may help address work-related psychosocial hazards below.

1) Increase awareness of this critical issue through a comprehensive public campaign

2) Increase etiologic, intervention, and implementation research

3) Initiate or augment surveillance efforts

4) Increase translation of research findings into guidance for employers and workers

5) Increase the number and diversity of professionals skilled in preventing and addressing these psychosocial hazards

6) Develop a national regulatory or consensus standard to control work-related psychosocial hazards

When done comprehensively, preventing and addressing work-related psychosocial hazards will help promote work as a means to achieving greater health and well-being for workers.

Share with us in the comment section below how your workplace is addressing psychosocial hazards in the workplace.

Paul A. Schulte, PhD; and Steven L. Sauter, PhD are NIOSH contractors with Advanced Technologies and Laboratories International, Inc. 

Hope M. Tiesman, PhD , is with the NIOSH Division of Safety Research.

Sudha P. Pandalai, MD; L. Casey Chosewood, MD, Rene Pana-Cryan, PhD; Chia-Chia Chang, MPH; Tapas K. Ray, PhD; and John Howard, MD ; are with the NIOSH Office of the Director.

Thomas R. Cunningham, PhD; Naomi G. Swanson, PhD; and Jeannie A.S. Nigam, MS ; are with the NIOSH Division of Science Integration.

Steven J. Wurzelbacher, PhD , is with the NIOSH Division of Field Studies and Engineering.

Dori B. Reissman, MD, is the former Director of the World Trade Center Health Program.

[1] Way K. Psychosocial hazards. The Core Body of Knowledge for Generalist OHS Professionals . 2nd ed. 2020. https://www.ohsbok.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/19-Psychosocial-hazards.pdf

[2] Daly M. Prevalence of psychological distress among working-age adults in the United States, 1999–2018. Am J Public Health . 2022;112(7):1045-1049.

[3] Hassard J, Teoh KR, Visockaite G, Dewe P, Cox T. The cost of work-related stress to society: a systematic review. J Occup Health Psychol . 2018;23(1):1.

[4] Harrell E, Langton L, Petosa J, et al. Indicators of workplace violence, 2019. US Dept of Justice, US Dept of Labor, US Dept of Health and Human Services. 2022. NCJ 250748; NIOSH 2022-14.

[5] Chen B, Wang L, Li B, Liu W. Work stress, mental health, and employee performance. Front Psychol . 2022;13:1006580.

[6] Harvey SB, Modini M, Joyce S, et al. Can work make you mentally ill? A systematic meta-review of work-related risk factors for common mental health problems. Occup Environ Med . 2017;

[7] Niedhammer I, Bertrais S, Witt K. Psychosocial work exposures and health outcomes: a meta-review of 72 literature reviews with meta-analysis. Scand J Work Environ Health . 2021;47(7):489.

[8] Kivimäki M, Nyberg ST, Batty GD, et al. Job strain as a risk factor for coronary heart disease: a collaborative meta-analysis of individual participant data. The Lancet . 2012;380(9852):1491-1497.

[9] Huang Y, Xu S, Hua J, et al. Association between job strain and risk of incident stroke: A meta-analysis. Neurology . 2015;85(19):1648-1654.

[10] Theorell T, Jood K, Järvholm LS, Vingård E, Perk J, Östergren PO, Hall C. A systematic review of studies in the contributions of the work environment to ischaemic heart disease development. Eur J Public Health . 2016;26(3):470-477

[11] Rudkjoebing LA, Bungum AB, Flachs EM, et al. Work-related exposure to violence or threats and risk of mental disorders and symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Scand J Work Environ Health . 2020;46(4):339.

[12] Taibi Y, Metzler YA, Bellingrath S, Müller A. A systematic overview on the risk effects of psychosocial work characteristics on musculoskeletal disorders, absenteeism, and workplace accidents. Appl Ergon . 2021;95:103434.

[13] WHO. Mental Health at Work: Policy Brief. World Health Organization. 2022. https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/362983/9789240057944-eng.pdf?sequence=1 .

[14] Goh J, Pfeffer J, Zenios SA. The relationship between workplace stressors and mortality and health costs in the United States. Management Science . 2016;62(2):608-628.

[15] Thumula V, Negrusa S. A primer on behavioral care in workers’ compensation. Workers’ Compensation Research Institute . 2022;

[16] NIOSH. Fundamentals of Total Worker Health approaches: Essential elements for advancing worker safety, health, and well-being. US Dept of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. 2016. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2017-112.

[17] Dinos S, Citrin, R., Bhui, K. Stress management in the workplace. In: O’Donnell MP, ed. Health Promotion in the Workplace. 5th ed. Art & Science Health Promotion Institute; 2017:491-506.

[18] Parker S, Van Den Broeck A, Holman D. Work design influences: A synthesis of multilevel factors that affect the design of jobs. The Academy of Management Annals. 2014;11(1):267–308.

[19] Hudson HL, Nigam JA, Sauter SL, Chosewood L, Schill AL, Howard JE. Total Worker Health. American Psychological Association; 2019.

[20] Lamontagne AD, Keegel T, Louie AM, Ostry A, Landsbergis PA. A systematic review of the job-stress intervention evaluation literature, 1990–2005. Int J Occup Environ Health . 2007;13(3):268-280.

[21] Nielsen K, De Angelis M, Innstrand ST, Mazzetti G. Quantitative process measures in interventions to improve employees’ mental health: a systematic literature review and the IPEF framework. Work Stress . 2023;37(1):1-26.

3 comments on “An Urgent Call to Address Work-related Psychosocial Hazards and Improve Worker Well-being”

Comments listed below are posted by individuals not associated with CDC, unless otherwise stated. These comments do not represent the official views of CDC, and CDC does not guarantee that any information posted by individuals on this site is correct, and disclaims any liability for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on any such information. Read more about our comment policy » .

An additional adverse health effect not noted in the report is the elevated risk of functional gastrointestinal disorders associated with psychosocial hazards in the workplace. This has a considerable effect on QoL for those diagnosed and significantly impacts work.

For example: Huerta, P. A., Cifuentes, M., Levenstein, C., & Kriebel, D. (2019). The Association of Occupational Psychosocial Factors with the Prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in the Chilean Working Population. Ann Work Expo Health, 63(4), 426-436.

Lim, S. K., Yoo, S. J., Koo, D. L., Park, C. A., Ryu, H. J., Jung, Y. J., . . . Koh, S. J. (2017). Stress and sleep quality in doctors working on-call shifts are associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders. World J Gastroenterol, 23(18), 3330-3337.

Jang, S. H., Ryu, H. S., Choi, S. C., & Lee, S. Y. (2017). Psychological Factors Influence the Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Their Effect on Quality of Life among Firefighters in South Korea. Psychiatry Investig, 14(4), 434-440. doi:10.4306/pi.2017.14.4.434

Westerberg, L., & Theorell, T. (1997). Working conditions and family situation in relation to functional gastrointestinal disorders. The Swedish Dyspepsia Project. Scand J Prim Health Care, 15(2), 76-81.

Thank you for this information.

Thank you for this timely and important article. Psychosocial hazards (high job demands, workplace bullying, long hours, work-family conflict, low job control, effort-reward imbalance etc.) are a major source of burnout and poor worker-well-being in health care and many other industries. There are over 40 years of research showing the evidence between poor working conditions that cause chronic stress leading to poor mental health, but also cardiovascular disease and death. Its time we learn and teach others how to address the organization of work to improve worker health and safety. Thanks to our colleagues at NIOSH and Total Worker Health for their leadership and the many great resources for industry, employers, unions and workers. We at the Healthy Work Campaign can also offer science-based psychosocial hazard identification and solutions/interventions http://www.healthywork.org

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