Work problems associated with suburban train driving.

Problems associated with metropolitan train driving were investigated in a questionnaire survey of 562 suburban train drivers. The major problems were safety issues (fatal train accidents, persons on the track, vandalism, sudden signal changes, no emergency communication system in the driver's cabin), the high demand for mental concentration, irregular working hours, and ear discomfort on entering tunnels. One-third of drivers had been involved in a train fatality. Near fatalities, vandalism, sudden signal changes and track maintenance workers were frequently encountered. Fifty-six percent of shifts involved some night work. Improvements in working conditions in these problem areas could lead to a safer and more pleasant working environment and could improve the health and personal well-being of suburban train drivers.