La valutazione obiettiva dei fattori di rischio stress lavoro-correlati: esperienze applicative del metodo OSFA (Objective Stress Factors Analysis) [Work-related stress risk evaluation: applicative experiences of the OSFA (Objective Stress Factors Analysis) method]

The OSFA (Objective Stress Factors Analysis) method is an approach to stress evaluation based on objective risk factors recording, according to the Italian law as well as to national and international guidelines. The method evaluates the work conditions recognized as hazardous for the worker’s psychophysical health. It comprises two main phases: phase A (company data analysis) and phase B (analysis of work-related stress conditions). Particularly, phase B is focused on the work conditions peculiar to the different organizational units, and it is conducted by means of structured interviews to experienced employees who know the specific company reality. The interviews consider four main work aspects: organization, social environment, safety, and management. The instrument has been tested on 34 medium-small companies of Lumbardy (Italy), operating in various fields, with a number of employees ranging from 5 to 107. The OSFA method proved to be adequate in relation to the exhaustiveness of the examined areas, the intelligibility of the items, and their capacity to discriminate the stress risk factors related to the various productive activities. The approach is easy to apply, and favourably accepted by employers and workers. Additionally, the OSFA method allows to plan preventive and improvement interventions, according to both the Legislative Decree 81/08 and the European agreement of October 8, 2004. Finally, the information obtained can represent the basis for a further stress risk evaluation through subjective evaluation methods.