Assessment of psychosocial risks faced by workers in Almería-type greenhouses, using the Mini Psychosocial Factor method

This work reports the use of the Mini Psychosocial Factor (MPF) method for assessing the psychosocial risks faced by agricultural workers in the greenhouses of Almería (Spain) with the aim of improving their health. The variables Rhythm, Mobbing, Relationships, Health, Recognition, Autonomy, Emotional Involvement, Support, Compensation, Control, Demands, and Mental Load were recorded using a pre-validated questionnaire containing 15 questions. The sex, age, and nationality of the respondents (n = 310) were also recorded, as were the type of greenhouse in which each worked, the size of the greenhouse, and the crop grown. The results showed psychosocial risks to exist for the workers. Multiple correspondence analysis, however, showed that moderate risks can be offset by new prevention programmes that improve Spanish legislation in terms of workers' salaries, worker–employer social days, work timetables to facilitate family life, and training courses. This could improve the work environment and health of Almería’s greenhouse workers as well as their productivity.

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► This paper identifies psychosocial risks in Almería's greenhouses using the MPF method.
► The results show that Almería's greenhouses do not provide the best of psychosocial working environments.
► We conclude there is need to improve the working conditions with new prevention programs.