The Psychophysiological Basics of Work Safety

Abstract

The paper presents the theoretical groundwork of people’s safety in the working environment observed from the psychophysiological point of view. This aspect was considered through the characteristics and influence of the psychic processes, traits and states on the individual safety during the work. Bearing in mind that each person is different and represents a distinctive and unique person that is structured in a specific and special way, the knowledge of the psychophysiological characteristics of people is a crucial factor for professional safety.Specifically, worker traits such as individual differences, personality, emotions, knowledge, cognition, and similar, influence employees activities and behaviour, as well as and the outcome of their work in terms of safety – whether or not an occupational injury or accident occurred or whether there was a possibility of threats. Through the study of the psychophysiological features of a human, i.e. its psychic characteristics, processes, and personality, it is possible to a certain extent to influence the improvement of the safety parameters in the workplace as well as the efficient functioning of the "man-production environment" system.

Low-grade systemic inflammation and the workplace

“…A number of behavioural effects are described for sick building syndrome, including difficulty concentrating, lethargy, depression, drowsiness, mental fatigue, memory problems, personality change, and other cognitive and mood disturbances [50,[52][53][54]. Physical symptoms of sick building syndrome can present as a combination of headache, dizziness, nausea, eye, nose or throat irritation, running nose and eyes, dry cough, wheezing, hoarseness or changed voice, dry or itching skin, sensitivity to odours, increased incidence of asthma attacks, allergies, flu-like symptoms, physical tiredness, slowed motor responses and, occasionally, light sensitivity and gastrointestinal distress [50,[52][53][54].…”