Journalism and psychosocial risk factors

Introduction

EU-OSHA defines psychosocial risks as arising from ‘poor work design, organisation and management, as well as from poor social context of work, which may result in negative psychological, physical and social outcomes[1]. Eurofound use a similar definition; working conditions leading to psychosocial risks include excessive workloads, lack of control over work, bullying or harassment, working with difficult members of the public, emotionally demanding work, and broader issues, such as job insecurity[2]. Journalists[3] can be involved in covering a range of news events and stories including murders, car crashes, wars, abuse, political unrest,…