Train Drivers' Work Related Stress and Job Satisfaction.
Johan Fredin-Knutzén1, Niklas Olsson, Tomas Rosberg
1From the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden (J.F.-K.); Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden (N.O.); VTI (The Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute), Linköping, Sweden (N.O., T.R., B.L.); and Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden (B.T.).
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
|June 13, 2023
Summary
Train drivers experience high stress from person under train (PUT) accidents and irregular work hours. Frequent, long-lasting stressors like poor shifts are key factors influencing job change considerations.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Transportation Psychology
- Human Factors Engineering
Background:
- Train drivers face significant work-related stressors impacting job satisfaction and retention.
- Understanding these stressors is crucial for developing targeted interventions in the transportation sector.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the primary work-related stressors experienced by train drivers.
- To determine the correlation between specific stressors and the consideration of changing professions.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire survey was administered to 251 Swedish train drivers.
- Participants rated 17 work-related stressors, their consideration of quitting, and experience with person under train (PUT) accidents.
Main Results:
- Person under train (PUT) accidents and irregular work hours were identified as major stressors.
- Stressors encountered frequently and over extended periods, such as irregular work hours (r = 0.61) and major organizational changes (r = 0.51), were the strongest predictors of considering a career change.
Conclusions:
- Addressing everyday stressors like irregular shifts, delays, and social climate is essential for reducing stress and enhancing job satisfaction.
- Interventions should focus on improving working conditions to mitigate factors contributing to high turnover intentions among train drivers.
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