Psychosocial risks and new emerging technologies in dangerous environments

Abstract

Work represents the interaction of different components such as work environment, human factor and equipment. Occupational risks assessment associated with each workplace has the role of preventing work accidents and diseases. Among occupational risks, the psychosocial ones mainly refer to stress, being greatly influenced by individual perceptions. Work related stress represents an ongoing challenge, that occupational health and safety specialists have to deal with. As any other occupational health and safety risk, stress and psychosocial risks can be effectively managed. Many experts in the filed have pointed out the need to make the issue of protecting emergency workers against occupational health and safety risks a priority. As new technologies emerge and develop, so do occupational health and safety risks resulted from new demands on personnel, including intervention and rescue personnel. The current paper will discuss work-related stress issues and how occupational stress should be managed in the context of emerging technologies in toxic / flammable / explosive environments.