BACKGROUND: This study investigated the impact of workload demands on
perceived job risk using the Job Demand-Control model as a research
framework.
OBJECTIVE: The primary objective was to test the hypothesis that employee
control over work scheduling and overtime would moderate the relationship
between workload demands and perceived job risk.
METHOD: Ninety-six participants working in a variety of industries completed
measures of workload demands, and of control over work scheduling and
overtime, and a measure of perceived job risk.
RESULTS: Workload demands predicted higher perceptions of job risk. However,
the results also suggest that control over overtime moderated this
relationship, where those with the combination of high workload demands and
low control over overtime reported higher levels of perceived risk. The
results indicate that the JDC model is applicable to safety research.
CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that employee control over workload demands
is an important variable to consider in terms of managing workplace safety.
The present study also points to important areas for future research to
explore in order to further understand the connection between demands and
safety.
