The effect of shiftwork related fatigue on the family life of train operators: Implications for safety and health professionals

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Holland, Dennis W.

Affiliations: Occupational Health Psychology, Union Pacific Railroad Company, 1400 Douglas Street, STOP 1040, Omaha, NE 68179, USA. E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: Drawing upon an original research study about the effects of fatigue on train operators, the present article focuses upon family issues as having the most significant impact on the participants. Family support, for example, represents an important mechanism for managing and coping with fatigue. Family support comprises understanding of the physiological and emotional issues surrounding shiftwork and erratic work schedules. This article explores the impact of fatigue upon a variety of family and relational issues. This inquiry describes the impact of family on the broader employee view of managing fatigue that considers such comprehensive issues as perception of the work environment, emotional stability, personal control concerns and other positive attributes. These issues ultimately impact the health, productivity and performance of employees. Final discussion includes implications for workplace application of the research findings.

Keywords: Fatigue, shiftwork, family, workplace health, employee relations

Journal: Work, vol. 26, no. 2, pp. 115-121, 2006