STRESS AND SAFETY IN AIR NAVIGATION

There are times we find ourselves angry without apparent reason, shouting at the top of our voice, not able to eat properly, not having adequate sleep, not remembering simple things easily, taking time to take simple decisions, in short, not doing many things as we normally do. All these signify that something is wrong and our mental efficiency is reduced.

The safety level of any system, particularly when it involves automation depends largely on two major factors; mechanical and human. The mechanical aspect is easily taken care of, to a large extent, with careful adherent to natural sets of laws and theorems and laid down operating procedures.

The other aspect is somehow difficult to manage probably due to its individualistic nature. Superior intelligence, paying attention to details, the ability to be hard-headed and practical when required, able to take charge of a situation rapidly and effectively and possessing freedom from anxiety and flights of fancy are what make people a good and efficient airman. Even though this is just idealistic, but the more these qualities are possessed the better airman one becomes. When the demands of workplace, problem of money, family, worries and so on overwhelm the personal ability to cope, then the mental and physical well-being suffers. This may lead to the condition outlined in the first paragraph, which may adversely affect the performance of an airman and possibly lead to mistakes and errors. Stress can also physically affect him. Anxiety, fear and worry also increase the production of "stress hormones" which cause a feeling of discomfort and panic.

Stress leads to depreciation of mental performance, which affects the situational awareness (SA) of an airman. This is why you find an Air Traffic Controller, for example, giving a descent clearance and reviewing it the very second he issued it or incessantly saying em.., err..., eh... etc before giving an instruction. You also find a pilot giving position report or other reports and revising them continuously. Poor SA makes decision making difficult in case of an emergency. The havoc is done before an avoidance instruction is carried out or issued because the person issuing or carrying out such instruction is not" in the picture" of the situation or panic has overcome his mental capability.

SOURCES OF STRESS

The RAF Institute of Aviation Medicine carried out a survey on the sources of stress in Controllers. The result of the survey did not support the popular notion that ATC is a stressful job. It indicated considerable levels of occupational stress in terms of dissatisfaction with equipment staff shortages lack of participation by the workforce in decision-making.

Cases of stress related illness in individual controllers were often associated with stresses outside the workplace, domestic cases, shock of accidents and health concerns in respect of relatives. Sources of stress in workplace were difficulties of older controllers in learning to use new technologies and procedures, relocations, personality differences and involvement in airmisses or incidents. Workload, shift working and working hours were not so strong sources of stress.

SIGNS OF STRESS

It may be hard to know if someone is suffering from stress. However, there are signs although the sufferer might not be aware of them:

1. Sudden over-eating or loss of appetite

2. Sleeplessness-particularly early waking

3. Unusual tiredness and lack of energy

4. Short temper

5. Difficulty in making decision which previously posed no problem

6. Difficulty in concentrating

7. Heavier smoking and drinking.

HOW TO AVOID STRESS

·          We most times make unnecessary things that stress us up.

·          When under pressure try to work out why and what to do about it.

·          Don't leave things always to the last minute.

·          Try as much as possible to do things at a reasonable pace and in an orderly manner.

·          Try not to do more than one thing at a time.

·          Concentrate on the job in hand before dealing with others in a similar fashion.

·          One of the best ways to relax it to take regular exercises.

·          Eat and savour your food.

·          As much as possible, try to avoid everyday pressures during spare times.

·          Try to take holidays and vacations. Books, hobbies, pastimes and sports are also good in this regard. Make sure you get enough rest always.

·          Try to relax before you go to sleep. Light reading will also help.

·          Try to curb impatience. If you get really angry about something try to get it out of your system. Express your anger or concern quietly and honestly if you can.

·          Avoid smoking and drinking.

·          Try as much as possible to change things if they are a constant source of anxiety. Medical advice is particularly helpful in avoiding stress.

·          The ability to avoid or manage stress goes a long way in increasing the safety level of the human aspect of Air Navigation system. This will in turn increase the safety of air transport, which all aviators try to uphold.