Clearing the tracks: Importance of addressing stress in the rail industry

Let me take you on a journey that started with a 30-minute meeting, which turned into a life-changing opportunity. As a stress reduction specialist, I was invited to offer my expertise to a railway team. My passion for addressing stress in the rail industry led me to accept the offer, and little did I know it would lead to a breakthrough solution for reducing stress and improving safety.

The recent train crash in Lagos, Nigeria, has further highlighted the severity of stress in the rail industry, with over 500 train accidents said to have been recorded in the country in 2018 alone. Fatigue among rail staff, including train drivers and signallers, is a significant source of stress in the industry. However, other job roles, such as conductors, engineers, and station workers, also have safety-critical duties that demand their full attention.

To develop targeted interventions to address stress and fatigue in the rail industry, it is crucial to identify the specific sources of stress. My research on stress in the rail sector led me to travel to Nigeria during the pandemic with a breakthrough solution aimed at reducing stress and improving safety in the industry. But the question that remains is, what other innovative solutions can be developed to prevent future accidents and reduce stress in the rail industry?

A rail system with less stressed teams can have several key lessons and benefits.

Firstly, it can improve safety by reducing accidents and injuries resulting from distracted and fatigued rail staff.

Secondly, it can enhance the passenger experience, with less stressed staff providing better customer service and care, leading to increased satisfaction, loyalty, and a positive reputation for the rail company.

Finally, it can increase productivity, with less stressed staff performing their duties more efficiently and effectively, leading to cost savings and increased profitability.

Dream with me for a moment. It’s been over a decade since Nigeria’s rail industry took a bold step in prioritizing stress reduction interventions and addressing the specific sources of stress and fatigue among its rail staff. The move was part of a larger effort to build a more successful and sustainable rail system, one that would not only benefit the country’s passengers but also the rail staff themselves.

As a result of this initiative, Nigeria’s rail system has undergone significant improvements. One of the key benefits is improved safety, as rail staff are now better able to maintain their focus and attention on their safety-critical duties, leading to a decrease in accidents and injuries. This has led to increased confidence among passengers, who are now more likely to choose rail transport over other modes of transportation.

Another benefit of a rail system with less stressed teams is an enhanced passenger experience. When rail staff are less stressed, they are more likely to provide better customer service and care to passengers. This has led to increased satisfaction and loyalty among passengers, who appreciate the improved level of service they receive. As a result, Nigeria’s rail system has become known for its exceptional customer service and care.

Finally, the implementation of stress reduction interventions has also led to increased productivity among rail staff. When stress levels are reduced, rail staff can perform their duties more efficiently and effectively, leading to increased productivity and better overall performance for the rail industry. This has resulted in cost savings and increased profitability for Nigeria’s rail companies, making the industry more attractive to investors.

In conclusion, the decision to prioritize stress reduction interventions in the rail industry has paid off for Nigeria, and by extension, the rest of Africa. A rail system with less stressed teams has led to improved safety, enhanced passenger experience, and increased productivity, making it a more successful and sustainable mode of transportation for everyone involved.

business a.m. commits to publishing a diversity of views, opinions and comments. It, therefore, welcomes your reaction to this and any of our articles via email: comment@businessamlive.com