Psychosocial risk assessment using COPSOQ II questionnaire - A case study with maintenance workers in a metal plant in Istanbul Turkey

Abstract Background Psychosocial risks are among the significant risks at the workplace. This study aims to assess psychosocial risks for the first time in a metal processing plant in Istanbul, Turkey by applying Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ II) to maintenance workers, and comparing risks scores by Fine Kinney and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methods. Method The COPSOQ II questionnaire was applied to all 120 maintenance workers. All items in COPSOQ II questionnaire were used as psychosocial hazards in risk assessments. Risk scores obtained by Fine Kinney and AHP methods are compared. Results AHP and Fine Kinney methods indicate that “demands at work” and “offensive behavior” domains in COPSOQ II have relatively higher priorities in the workplace. The most effective sub criteria in demands at work domain are: quantitative demands and work pace. Comparison of risk classes show that AHP scores are usually higher than those by Fine Kinney. Conclusion Fine Kinney risk scores and classes are considered more realistic than AHP since they include actual responses of the maintenance workers to the COPSOQ II questionnaire. These results provide a useful tool for the management to implement psychosocial hazards in their risk assessment and a roadmap for action plans.