Occupational Stress among Train Operation Staff with Special Reference to Railway Engine Pilots

Introduction
Background: Traffic volume and speed is going to be increased in Indian Railways successively leading to higher stress in staff connected with train operations. The jobs of railway engine pilots come under the category of high strain jobs, necessitating a need to conduct multi-centric study to unfold factors associated with occupational stress and organizational strategies. 

Methods
Materials and Methods: Present study covered 357 railway engine pilots and train operation staff (Station Master, Guard and Gateman) working in various railway zones by incidental method. Tools used in study are Occupational Stress Index (OSI) test developed by Srivastva and Singh, Questionnaire of Specific Stressors constructed by authors and Laboratory Test Battery for psychological screening. 

Results
Results: Means of OSI of railway engine pilots (156.47) were found significantly higher to that of train operation staff (Station Master-125.12, Guard-122.40 and Gateman-115.40). Mean of OSI of Goods Train Pilots (175.27) is higher to means of OSI of High speed Train Pilots and Passenger Train Pilots (141.3 and 148.52). Study revealed positive correlation of speed perception and complex reaction time tests, and negative correlation of other constituent tests of laboratory test battery to OSI test. Highest stressor observed is role overload followed by role conflict.

Discussion
Conclusions: These findings provide a prima facie evidence of higher occupational stress among railway engine pilots because of identified specific stressors prevalent in their job and explore the possible intervention strategies for its reduction. Significant correlation is noticed between OSI and laboratory test results indicating its relevant utility in preliminary psychological screening.