Proceedings of the 8th World Conference on Research in Social Sciences
Year: 2025
DOI:
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Psychological Risks and Legislative Regulations for Maritime Personnel
Lecturer Carmen-Mihaela BĂICEANU, Ph. D, Full prof. Mihaela RUS, Ph. D,Lecturer Mihai ȘTEFĂNOAIA, Ph.D.
ABSTRACT:
Psychosocial risks aboard ships are significant occupational hazards that impact the physical and mental health of maritime personnel, manifesting through stress, burnout, depression, harassment, and conflicts. These effects, often delayed, complicate the identification of underlying causes. Psychosocial risks stem from individual and organizational factors, affecting both employee well-being and organizational productivity. According to an EU-OSHA survey, 40% of workers believe stress is poorly managed, and 51% report workplace stress as common, with 50-60% of lost workdays attributed to stress and psychosocial risks. This makes them the second most reported work-related health issue in Europe, after musculoskeletal disorders. In the maritime sector, unique stressors such as long embarkations, hierarchical structures, family separation, and the confined environment of ships exacerbate these risks. Harassment and interpersonal conflicts further harm morale, increase illness rates, and compromise team cohesion, posing challenges for organizational efficiency, economic stability, and compliance with legal standards.
The European Union’s Framework Directive 89/391/EEC mandates the integration of mental health considerations into occupational policies, addressing stress, harassment, and workplace violence. Similarly, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) emphasizes the importance of addressing psychosocial risks linked to fatigue, communication, culture, health, and work conditions. Employers are thus responsible for implementing training, education, and preventive measures to safeguard employee well-being and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
keywords: psychological risks, martime company, ocupational legislation, harassment, employee well-being