Psychosocial screening for workers must use validated instruments
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Psychosocial screening for workers must utilise instruments that have proven validity and reliability, tailored to the specific objectives of the examination and the characteristics of the workforce being assessed.
“The instruments used in psychosocial screening must have validated reliability. Furthermore, they cannot stand alone and must be adjusted to the purpose of the examination and the characteristics of the users,” stated Professor Dr. dr. Dewi S. Soemarko, M.S., Sp.Ok, Subsp.PsiKO (K), a Professor and Consultant Occupational Medicine Specialist at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia (FKUI), in an official statement in Jakarta on Sunday.
Dewi noted that psychosocial screening for workers requires a different approach compared to the general public, as the stressors and triggers faced by employees are distinct.
Meanwhile, Occupational Health Practitioner from SKK Migas, dr. Royanul Arief, MM (K3L), assessed that psychosocial screening, particularly within the oil and gas industry, relates not only to mental health issues but also to aspects of occupational safety.
Royanul stated that unaddressed and unprevented mental fatigue can lead to problems for workers, resulting in decreased productivity and even an increased risk of workplace accidents.
Managing psychosocial risks is becoming increasingly relevant in jobs involving high demands, shift work systems, remote work locations, exposure to operational risks, and the need to maintain the physical and mental readiness of workers.
In the context of occupational health, psychosocial factors can relate to how work is designed and managed, including workload, job demands, interpersonal relationships, organisational support, and the balance between work and personal life.
“Psychosocial health in the professional world is very important because if employees are healthy not only physically but also mentally, it will certainly increase productivity. Productivity will also enhance company sustainability,” said Indriyanti.
The topic of psychosocial screening was discussed in a seminar titled “Choosing and Using Psychosocial Questionnaires Responsibly: Perspectives on Validity, Reliability, and Implementation in the Workplace,” which also featured Dwiva Yulia, M. Psi, a psychologist in the field of industrial psychology, and dr. Iwan Sugiarta, Sp.Ok, who discussed health data analysis.
The event, held both in-person and online, was a collaborative effort between Prodia Occupational Health Indonesia (Prodia OHI), Prodia Widyahusada, the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia (FKUI), and SKK Migas.