![[ Visit Client Website ]](images/banner.png)
Methods for the evaluation of risk perception in workers are relevant in Occupational Health, as a correct occupational risk perception is considered a key factor for the adoption of adequate self-protective behavior in workers. Currently the proportion of workers belonging to different ethnic groups, often speaking different languages is rapidly increasing, especially in sectors, as construction or agriculture: ethnic identity may play a role in the perception and representation of risk. For these reasons, the availability of methods for risk perception evaluation in workers from different ethnicity is important. We present here a method based on the use of pictures from real working conditions.
Methods
The tool encompasses:
- a questionnaire including items on personal experience and attitudes of the worker;
- a sequence of 30 images showing real working situations: the subject has to evaluate of the risk on a Likert scale (0 = low - 10 = very high); then the risk(s) present in each picture is (are) identified by matching images representative of specific occupational risks.
The tool was presented and discussed with 106 expert Occupational Health Professionals (OHP), and then applied in 248 construction workers from different ethnic groups. In all subjects an evaluation of the method, and of comprehensibility, was collected.
Results
According to the discussion with OHP, some items of the questionnaire were modified. The method, and sequence of pictures, were judged good. The risk evaluation of OHP was applied as reference and compared to workers. Preliminary data suggest the possibility of differences in perception and representation of risk among ethnic groups
Discussion
A method based on a questionnaire and a sequence of pictures from real working-life is presented. Preliminary results suggest that the method is adequately simple, and easily applicable in group of workers from different ethnic groups.