The changes that have occurred in terms of the organisation of work during the last decades are associated with the emergence or aggravation of psychosocial problems.
There is growing concern about the negative effects this may have on employees' health and well-being, and on the quality of work and the creativity and innovation organisations require in current markets.
In addition to the existing health monitoring activities, we saw a need to adopt a systematic approach to managing the psychosocial working environment. In cooperation with the Institute of Work Health and Organisation (I-WHO) at the University of Nottingham, StatoilHydro therefore adopted and incorporated the Psychosocial Risk Management Approach (PRIMA) into the company's health risk management process.
PRIMA is the application of a risk management framework in relation to psychosocial risks at work. It is based on the principles of prevention in accordance with occupational health and safety legislation, and it aims to achieve risk reduction.
It is a systematic process through which hazards are identified, risks analysed and managed, and workers protected. PRIMA involves two main stages: Risk Assessment and Risk Reduction.
The method is based on the company's HSE risk management control circle and thus uses an approach to the management of psychosocial risks that is similar to the management of other HSE risks (for example ergonomics, chemicals, noise etc.).
The method involves taking a concrete and manageable approach to relevant psychosocial challenges. It has been tested in the organisation and is applicable to many areas of our business.
The method has also been found useful in the management of organisational change. The method is a tool that ensures primary prevention of psychosocial hazards and it ensures employee participation and management commitment in improving health and the working environment.
