Sickness absence among peer-supported drivers after occupational trauma

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Psychotraumatology
• Public Transportation Safety

Background:

• Psychological first aid is a standard intervention following potentially traumatic events (PTEs).
• Germany's Statutory Accident Insurance (DGUV) recommends peer support to mitigate sickness absence post-occupational accidents, particularly in public transport.
• Empirical data on the efficacy of peer support models remain limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of peer support on sickness absence duration after occupational traumatic events in public transportation employees.
• To compare the effectiveness of different peer support structures: colleague-led versus supervisor-led support.

Main Methods:

• A historical cohort study was conducted in two German public transportation corporations (March 2003 - December 2012).
• Comparison groups included colleague peer support (VAG-1), supervisor peer support (VGF), and a non-intervention group (VAG-0).
• Negative binomial regression analysis was employed to assess relative risks, controlling for potential confounders.

Main Results:

• A total of 259 incident PTEs were analyzed.
• Sickness absence duration was significantly predicted by PTE severity (severe/fatal), supervisor peer support (VGF), and employee age.
• For less severe PTEs, supervisor peer support (VGF) and age were significant predictors of absence, but this association was not observed for severe PTEs.

Conclusions:

• The severity of potentially traumatic events (PTEs) is the primary determinant of sickness absence duration.
• For less severe PTEs, colleague-provided peer support may offer greater benefits than supervisor-led support.
• Further research is needed to optimize peer support strategies for diverse occupational trauma scenarios.