Psychosocial Hazards and Mental Ill Health in the UK Rail Industry

IntroductionThere have been a number of studies into PTSD in train drivers exposed to “person under train” (PUT) incidents, but these were limited by population and scope. This study examined PTSD, complex-PTSD, depression, and anxiety, in a broad sample of the rail workforce, including a number of exposures termed psychosocial hazards.MethodCross-sectional survey delivered electronically, gathering data around exposure to seven psychosocial hazards (bullying/harassment, verbal abuse, physical assault, sexual assault, hearing about, seeing the aftermath of, and witnessing a fatality), as well as working conditions, physical health, and the impact of Covid-19. The International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ), PHQ-9, and GAD-7 were used as outcome measures. Data were analysed in hierarchical logistic and linear regression models.Results3912 participants responded. 2.8% met the criteria for PTSD, 7.2% for complex-PTSD. 49.3% reported bullying/harassment, 66.5% verbal abuse, 16.3% physical assault, 4.6% sexual assault, and 12.0% reported having witnessed a fatality. Bullying/harassment was independently associated GAD-7 score, PTSD, and complex-PTSD, whilst hearing about and witnessing a fatality were associated with greater odds of PTSD and complex-PTSD. Physical ergonomics at work, and work intensity, were associated with PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores, whilst better working life perspectives (analogous to job satisfaction) was associated with lower odds of PTSD and complex-PTSD.DiscussionThe results suggest that bullying/harassment is an important factor in the mental health of the rail workforce, along with a number of working conditions covariates. These associations, seen after controlling for all other variables, may suggest modifiable risk factors, and could drive future research and industry led mental health initiatives to support wellbeing in the rail sector