An exploratory study of the effects of stress and fatigue on Irish farm safety
Authors
Bennett, Karyn
Issue Date
2016
Degree
Higher Diploma in Arts in Counselling and Psychotherapy
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
Previous literature shows a significant relationship between stress and farm safety. Little research has been conducted on farmer fatigue. This study aimed to explore the relationship between stress, fatigue and farm safety for the first time using an Irish farming sample of 177. Participants completed measures including Farm/Ranch Stress Inventory, Occupational Fatigue Exhaustion Recovery scale and Safety Climate Questionnaire and four qualitative questions. Results indicated no significant difference between farm type and stress experienced. Cattle farmers were found to have higher levels of acute fatigue compared to other and mixed. Results further indicated a significant age difference in organisational environment. Inter-shift recovery was found to significantly predict safety awareness and competency. It was also found that farm related factors and chronic fatigue significantly predicted organisational environment. These findings will contribute to farm safety research; however more research is needed to explore how stress and fatigue impact farm safety. Author keywords: Stress, fatigue, farm safety