Traumatic workplace fatalities: the lived experiences of coworkers

Background: Workplace fatalities are sudden, traumatic events that can have significant psychological and emotional consequences for those exposed to them.Objective: To explore coworkers' lived experiences of workplace fatalities, with particular attention to their exposure and trauma responses.Method: A qualitative descriptive study with semi-structured interviews was undertaken to understand the lived experiences of coworkers exposed to traumatic workplace fatalities. Eighteen participants from five industry groups took part. Thematic analysis was used to understand and interpret the interviews, guided by Carlson and Dalenberg's (2000) conceptual framework of traumatic experiences.Results: Exposure to traumatic workplace fatalities includes the experience of confronting visual, auditory and tactile experiences. Participants described peritraumatic responses such as emotional withdrawal, panic, numbness and shock, as well as acting instinctively to assist the victim. Posttraumatic trauma responses included re-experiencing and avoidance, with some reporting secondary and associated responses such as PTSD, suicidal ideation and relationship breakdowns. Investigative processes were also described as retraumatising and distressing.Conclusions: This study identifies that coworkers can be significantly affected by traumatic workplace fatalities, often experiencing emotional and psychological harm as secondary victims. The investigative process that follows can compound their distress and be retraumatising. Findings highlight a clear need for trauma-informed support that addresses both immediate and ongoing psychological needs of coworkers. Better recognition and response to their experiences and needs are essential in reducing further harm.