Psychosocial Risk Factors and Their Legal Consequences in Labour Relations: National Regulations and Practice in Estonia

Psychosocial risk factors in the workplace lead to employees’ illness. These risk factors, such as overly stressful work, short deadlines, etc., result in work accidents and occupational diseases (e.g., post-traumatic stress). The question of who is responsible for psychosocial risks and their harmful consequences is important. Although the employer must prepare a risk analysis of the work environment, this does not always help to prevent the consequences caused by psychosocial risk factors. According to Estonian case law, the employee’s behaviour is also important. Psychosocial risk factors can only be mitigated if the employee himself/herself reports their presence to the employer.