The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #74144

Reynaldo Martinez, George Meany Center for Labor Studies-National Labor College, 10000 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20903, 301-571-4226, nayol@earthlink.net

This project explores locomotive engineer work-related fatigue in switching and terminal railroad operations: A case study involved surveying work-related fatigue among 75 engineers in a switching and terminal railroad. Sixty-two engineers' operational failures covering a six-year period were systematically analyzed. A literature review focused on circadian rhythms, eight-hour rest cycles, boredom, extra-board, and night operations. The project's research hypothesis is that locomotive engineers in switching and terminal operations are encountering work related fatigue due to extra-board and night operations. The final analysis concluded that switching and terminal engineers are experiencing work related fatigue with the root causes being irregular hours, night operations, work related stress, and circadian rhythms. Engineers in their second and eighth year of experience have a higher probability of encountering an operational failure during the early morning hours. Engineers had the highest operational failure rates after being on duty five to six hours and the study suggested that a relationship between low alertness periods and high operational failure rates exists. Thus, the project supported the research hypothesis.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of this session, participants will better understand the attitudes and activities of trade unionists; learn how advocacy and original research can be combined to improve safety and health for groups of workers.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.