Assessment of mental workload in accordance with the ASchG 2013

Mental strain is increasing in our modern world of work. Depending on its intensity, it can cause stress and work-related physical complaints. Since the beginning of 2014, employers have been obliged to assess psychological stress at work, in accordance with an amendment to the Austrian workers protection act (ASchG).  This assessment aims at identifying and assessing dangers caused by mental strain at the workplace and at establishing measures and evaluating their efficiency.

Several organisations all over Austria are currently conducting assessments of psychological stress at work. It should be pointed out that the approaches differ greatly and that many evaluations do not produce the desired results. To this end, representatives from the field of work psychology at the University of Vienna, the University of Graz, the Johannes Kepler University Linz and the University of Innsbruck seek to contribute to quality assurance. They give recommendations for making assessments.

Facts and figures

• Good practice projects on the assessment of mental workload
• Giving recommendations on the basis of these projects
• Since 2013
• Contact person: Christian Korunka

Selected publications

International Yearbook on Psychological Risk Prevention and Quality of Life at Work

Contribution to the edited volume “Erfolgsfaktor Gesundheit” (success factor health)