Integrating Physical and Psychosocial Risk Assessment Across Age and Gender: Preliminary Findings from the European WAge Project

Abstract

The ageing of the workforce, together with the combined influence of ergonomic and psychosocial factors, poses a growing challenge for occupational health and sustainable work. This study, conducted within the European project WAge (wagehealth.eu), aims to develop an integrated analytical model that links physical and psychosocial risk assessment while explicitly considering age and gender. The ultimate goal is to inform evidence-based policies and interventions to improve working conditions and worker well-being. A cross-sectional field study was carried out between Q4 2024 and Q1 2025 in Spain, Portugal, and Poland, including a sample of >500 workers from industrial and service sectors. For each job position, data collection combined: (1) sociodemographic and job information; (2) objective physical workload assessment through video recording and observational ergonomic evaluation (REBA); and (3) self-reported measures covering perceived physical workload (based on ISO 12295), musculoskeletal health (Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire), and psychosocial conditions (HEROCheck). Data are being analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariable regression models, adjusted for age, gender and job type, to explore associations between physical demands, psychosocial exposures, and health/work ability outcomes. Preliminary results of the Spanish sample (N=113) indicate meaningful relationships between physical and psychosocial factors. A detailed characterization of these interactions will support the development of a practical, adaptable screening methodology for diverse job profiles.

Keywords: Musculoskeletal Disorders, Ergonomic Risk Assessment, Perceived Physical Workload, Psychosocial Job Demands And Resources, Integrated Risk Assessment

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007801