Philippine E-Journals

The Occupational Safety Hazards and Stress Experienced by Traffic Enforcers in Calamba City, Laguna: A Basis for Developing a Stress Management Program

Rowy D. Bermudez | Orven Onele S. Odal | Angelo P. Bagadiong

 

Abstract:

The study aimed to determine the status of the occupational safety hazards and stress experienced by traffic enforcers in Calamba City, Laguna as a basis for developing a stress management program. Using the sequential explanatory design, the quantitative data were obtained from administering three researcher-made questionnaires namely “Occupational Safety Hazard Identification Questionnaire”, “Occupational Stress Level Questionnaire”, and “Coping Strategies of Traffic Enforcers Questionnaire” to the 112 male traffic enforcers of the Calamba City Transport Management Office (CCTMO). Qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interview, observation and photography. Data were analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative findings indicated that the traffic enforcers often encountered the chemical hazards, sometimes encountered the physical hazards, ergonomic and psychosocial factors, and rarely encountered the biological and accidental hazards, and organizational factors. Generally, they had moderate level of occupational stress level and used almost every time both the emotion-focused and problem-focused coping strategies in an interchangeable or reciprocal manner. Statistical findings concluded that there was a significant difference on their occupational stress levels when grouped according to their age; however, no significant difference was found when grouped according to their civil status, educational level, and years in service. Qualitative results revealed six (6) major adverse health effects of the occupational safety hazards to the traffic enforcers, such as respiratory problems, neurological condition, stomach problem, musculoskeletal issues, hearing problems, and psychological conditions. Based on the significant findings of both qualitative and quantitative results, the developed stress management program mainly focused on sustaining the resiliency of the traffic enforcers and promoting a positive attitude towards their workplace.