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Work intensity: updating approaches to the assessment of psychosocial factors in occupational health

https://doi.org/10.31089/1026-9428-2026-66-5-534-542

EDN: vzsajt

Abstract

The article analyzes the problems associated with assessing the intensity of the labor process in modern conditions. The authors consider the evolution of the structure and content of work, noting the increasing role of psychosocial factors due to new forms of work organization, the intensity of information loads and the introduction of digital management and control tools.

It is emphasized that traditional hygienic approaches developed for other technological conditions may not fully take into account modern cognitive and emotional stresses. In this regard, the issue of updating the methodological framework for assessing working conditions is being considered.

Based on these studies, the relationship between the characteristics of the working environment and the state of the psycho-emotional health of employees is shown.

The researchers are discussing the possibilities of developing a system for assessing psychosocial risks, including the use of standardized survey tools such as the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ).

The article substantiates the expediency of forming a unified methodology for assessing the psychosocial factors of the working environment, integrated into the occupational safety and health management system, which will contribute to the preservation of workers' health.

Ethics. The article is a discussion paper based on an analysis of regulatory documents, scientific literature, and open data. Since the research did not involve working with people or personal data, no special ethical approval was required.

Contributions:
Novikova A.V. — concept and design of research, collection and processing of material, writing text;
Shirokov V.A. — concept and design of research, collection and processing of material, writing, editing.

Funding. The work was carried out within the Framework of the state assignment: Reg. EGISU R&D No.: 124030700017-5.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Received: 29.04.2026 / Accepted: 15.05.2026 / Published: 11.09.2026

About the Authors

Anna V. Novikova
F.F. Erisman Federal Research Center for Hygiene
Russian Federation

Senior Researcher, Institute of General and Occupational Pathology (F.F. Erisman Federal Research Center for Hygiene), Cand. of Sci. (Med.)

e-mail: novikova.av@fncg.ru



Vasily A. Shirokov
F.F. Erisman Federal Research Center for Hygiene; Yekaterinburg Medical Research Center for Prophylaxis and Health Protection in Industrial Workers, Yekaterinburg
Russian Federation

Scientific Head of the Institute of General and Occupational Pathology (F.F. Erisman Federal Research Center for Hygiene); Head of the Research and Production Department (Yekaterinburg Medical Research Center for Prophylaxis and Health Protection in Industrial Workers), Dr. of Sci. (Med.), Prof.

e-mail: vashirokov@gmail.com



References

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For citations:


Novikova A.V., Shirokov V.A. Work intensity: updating approaches to the assessment of psychosocial factors in occupational health. Russian Journal of Occupational Health and Industrial Ecology. 2026;66(8):534-542. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.31089/1026-9428-2026-66-5-534-542. EDN: vzsajt

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ISSN 1026-9428 (Print)
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