Work-Related Stress assessment process at the University of Pavia

Among the risks assessed in the workplace, the cross-sectional hazards deriving from work-related stress, requires particular attention due to its nature, which involves the emotional, psychological, perceptive, and, not least, physical aspects of the worker.

The italian law and INAIL official regulations / guidelines require and suggest methodologies for structuring a careful and timely analysis process, starting with an assessment of the general climate and gradually focusing on identified or less evident critical issues.

At the University of Pavia, the assessment process is structured as follows:

A working team (GdL), coordinated by Dr. Lucilla Strada, Head of the “Servizio di Prevenzione e Protezione” (Health and Safety), has identified risk assessment criteria, based on the INAIL (National Institute of Working Injuries Insurances) guidelines.

The assessment process involves, beyond a phase of objective data collection, supported by the “UOC Sviluppo Organizzativo”,  interviewing homogeneous groups of workers (focus groups), selected on criteria identified by the GdL (e.g., managers, department heads, technicians, administrative staff, librarians, teachers, CEL, etc.).

Starting in September 2025, focus groups establish for each homogeneous structure (humanities-law-economics-politics, medical area, scientific area, engineering area, central administration, service centers), within which interviews will be conducted by a team of occupational psychologists, coordinated by Professor Ilaria Setti.

In collaboration with the U.O.C. “Carriere e Concorsi Personale tecnico amministrativo e CEL e Rapporti con Servizio Sanitario Nazionale”, the worker must justify his work absence selecting  “external service”, attaching the invitation email he will receive from the SPP.

At this LINK you can find a document that clarifies many aspects related to ‘Work-Related Stress’.