Study to assess the level of stress and identification of significant stressors among the railway engine pilots

INTRODUCTION: Increasing demands, exacting management, poor ergonomics, and intense competition within and without are likely to contribute to stress among the railway engine pilots. This excess of stress and its consequences cost very high to both the organization and the consumers. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aims to identify the particular stressors affecting the railway engine pilots and their level of occupational stress in order to improve the safety, efficiency, and overall productivity of the railways and to propose the remedies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted at Central Hospital, SECR, Bilaspur, from 20/09/10 to 20/11/10, involving a study sample of 100 healthy Loco Pilots and 100 controls with similar safety category meeting the set inclusion and exclusion criteria, subjected to cross-sectional interviews and questionnaires. RESULTS: Job stress correlated significantly with fatigue (P<0.001), ergonomics of work place (P<0.05) (particularly the postural discomfort and cab space), management pressure (P<0.01), high job demand (P<0.001), low control and low support at work (P<0.01), biological functions (P<0.05), and absenteeism (P<0.001). Top ten stressors have been identified and postural discomfort tops the list. The study also identifies minimal efforts from administration to reduce stress of its employees. CONCLUSION: The high demand, low control, and low support at the work with difficult work environment and inadequate recreation at the place of intermediary rest corroborates with development of stress affecting the normal biological functions leading to either avoidance of duty or making the railway engine pilots susceptible to fatigue and drowsiness, neglect, injuries, and accidents.