The perceived risk of being infected at work: An application of the job demands-resources model to workplace safety during the COVID-19 outbreak

As businesses begin to reopen amid the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, many workers are concerned about their risk of infection on the job. A new study has applied the job demands-resources model to assess workplace safety during the pandemic. The model takes into account various factors, including job demands (e.g. exposure to the virus), job resources (e.g. protective equipment), personal resources (e.g. health status), and job control (e.g. ability to take precautions). The study found that perceived risk of infection at work was strongly influenced by job demands and personal resources, and less so by job resources and job control. Workers with a high level of job demands and low personal resources reported feeling the most at risk. Furthermore, the study found that women and workers with lower levels of education were more likely to perceive a higher risk of infection at work. This research sheds light on the complex factors that contribute to workers’ perceived risk of infection during the COVID-19 outbreak. As businesses and policymakers navigate this challenging time, it is important to keep these findings in mind and take steps to support workers’ physical and emotional well-being.