ABSTRACT
The concept 'job' comprises several tasks, but on the operational level, a job is often considered as one task. The last approach describes the task on the basis of its objective characteristics. Job analysis methods describe jobs on the basis of their objective characteristics. Psycho-social factors have gained special attention and methods for measuring them have been urged repeatedly. An observation method was developed for the assessment of psychic stress factors to be included in traditional methods for screening health hazards. The method was meant to be used by occupational health personnel. In Finland these people are responsible for health monitoring of work conditions. The observation method was developed on the basis of the central dimensions of previous job analysis methods and on the results of job stress research. Job stress research has investigated the meaning of various job characteristics on strain. The aim was to develop method to cover the most common underload and overload situations in industrial jobs.
