ABSTRACT
The paper presents a study to understand the risk associated with current shift patterns of GB freight train drivers and contract trackworkers and to develop strategies for risk reduction and control.
A variety of data collection methods were used including company visits, focus groups and a literature review to elicit background information about the factors influencing the pattern of work and the development of fatigue. A questionnaire and a diary relating to 28 duty periods were completed. An analysis of accident and incident data was collected to identify factors associated with increased risk. An analysis of fatigue countermeasures gathered information from the literature and from the diary and questionnaire study. The main issues relating to fatigue from all of the sources were interpreted in the context of existing knowledge and a number of potential guidelines and fatigue countermeasures are proposed.
The main issues identified relating to fatigue and accident risk were long duty periods, time of day, time without a break, consecutive duties, inadequate recovery time, workload, roster variability and travel time. Useful coping strategies included napping, obtaining sufficient breaks and the careful use of caffeine. Shift designs that take into account the main issues identified in this research programme have the potential to reduce accident risk.
