Dublin Fire Brigade: Violence In The Workplace And Occupational Stress In The Control Room

This study was designed to (i) identify the nature, incidence and prevalence of work-related violence (ii) examine sources and frequency of stress, and (iii) evaluate psychological distress in operational and control-room personnel. The measures used were the Survey of Violence Experienced by Staff, the Sources of Occupational Stress Questionnaire and the General Health Questionnaire. 96% of operational personnel had experienced some form of work-related violence in their careers. Primary sources of occupational stress in control room staff included substandard equipment, sleep disturbance and worries over reductions in personnel and wage levels. 45% of control room personnel showed high levels of psychological distress. Findings indicate that occupational stress and work-related violence are significant issues in DFB and provide an evidence-base for recommendations regarding training and organisational initiatives to improve crew-safety and increase psychological well-being. The authors acknowledge Dublin Fire Brigade Partnership and Dublin City Council who commissioned and funded the Study.