Prevention of professional risks - Stress and psychosocial risks

Stress and, more broadly, the so-called "psychosocial" risks, are problems in the world of work which, for many sectors of activity, represent a new concern for employee health. Although these risks are more difficult to identify than "traditional" occupational hazards, their approach must be rigorous and, as with all other occupational risks, give rise to an assessment and prevention plan. Indeed, the law (transposed from Framework Directive 89/391/EEC and reinforced by numerous subsequent regulatory texts) now requires employers to assess risks, including psychosocial risks, and to protect the physical and mental health of employees (Article L. 4121-1 of the French Labour Code).

To objectify the problem and propose effective prevention measures, we need to be able to define stress and psychosocial risks (PSR).

We will first look at the "stress" issue, then broaden the definition of the concepts to other RPS, and finally consider how to take preventive action in these areas.