Assignment:
Response post to classmate 1 page AMA format for references:
1) In your response pretend you are the CEO or owner of the company.
2) What would be your response to the reported conclusions?
3) Evaluate the algorithm, matrix, and conclusions.
4) Point out conclusions that may have been overlooked.
Per your request, we have concluded our investigation into hazards in the auto repair shop on campus. Before we file our final report, we would like to discuss with you the findings from the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ).
Please see attached Figure 1. In this figure, we have calculated the psychosocial strain of this work environment using an algorithm based system which identifies the severity of workplace hazards caused by certain variables. There are 4 categories in the JCQ that are attributed to different types of psychosocial stress. You will find these on the x-axis labeled SD for skill discretion, DA for decision authority, DL for decision latitude and PJD for psychological job demands. Additionally, you will notice that the auto repair shop falls below the national average in every category. However. we find that there is some room for improvement in decision authority. There was some belief that there is little freedom to decide how work should be done. This could lead to hazards if someone feels that work should be done a certain way even if that method could lead to unsafe conditions. Additionally, there is some concern that the psychological job demands for this section of the university are too high even though they fall below the national average. A recent review of work stressors (2014, Mika and Ichiro Kawachi) across Europe, Asia and Japan suggests that there is an association between work stress level and moderate increase in cardiovascular disease risk1.
Given these results, we hope that you will consider making recommendations to improve the work environment to reduce the risk of workplace hazards and work-related health hazards. Once we complete the final report we will forward you a copy. If you have any questions regarding this matter please feel free to contact me or a member of the occupational health team and CC me.
V/r,
Roth
References
Kivimäki M, Kawachi I. Work stress as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Current cardiology reports. 2015 Sep 1;17(9):7