Psychosocial risks associated with the profession of train driver

Abstract

Excellent competencies as well as a good physical and mental health are required in train drivers’ profession. Despite the changes in the structure of employment the train drivers above 46 years and job tenure longer than 30 years are the largest group. The generation gap is becoming more pronounced, and its fulfilment will not be easy. It is related not only to training of new personnel but also promotion of healthy work environment focus on reducing occupational stress. The aim of study was twofold. Firstly, identification of psychosocial risks and sources of occupational stress in relation to health of employees will be performed. Secondly, the methods of reducing with occupational stress in train drivers’ profession will be indicated. In study presented here the qualitative method was applied. We have conducted the focused group interview among train drivers and instructors. The results have shown that more important source of occupational stress were the failure of the material factor, workload, role conflict, working time and care of trainees. Results of our previous study based on the individual reviews have indicated that traumatic stress associated with fatal incidents and people under train were significant occupational risk in train drivers’ profession. Organizational resources such as competencies and knowledge of experience train drivers can be helpful in health promotion and development of methods reducing occupational risk. Safety climate, risk assessment, and the acquisition of new personnel require new actions and improvement. Management style more focused on the human factor should be preferred.