Tripod Sigma. Results of a pro-active work stress-survey.

Abstract

Work related stress is one of the most important causes of disability and absenteeism. It can cause a decline of motivation and productivity. TNO Work and Employment has developed an instrument, called Tripod Sigma, that identifies risks to work stress and provides tools for remedying these risks. The Tripod Sigma model is developed analogous to the Tripod Delta model which Shell has initiated to identify and pro-actively control safety risks. This model, developed by the University of Leiden and Manchester, is used to measure latent failures in the working environment that can cause human error. The main philosophy behind Tripod Delta is that human error can most effectively be controlled by controlling the working environment and the organisation of work. Work stress, like human error, is something that occurs on the level of the individual. Research shows that causes that contribute to work related stress can also be traced back to conditions of the working environment of employees. The project described in this paper has the aim to develop an instrument for analysis of risks for work related stress 'all the way back' to the level of management decisions. An instrument that not only identifies risks, but also provides direct tools to reduce or prevent risks.