Occupational Safety and Health Issues of Work Organization Affecting Air Traffic Controllers in Kenya

Abstract

Air traffic management (ATM) is essential for a safe, efficient, and effective aviation system, involving air traffic controllers, equipment, and procedures. Air traffic controllers manage air traffic and ensure safety through split-second decisions under strict deadlines. Occupational safety health (OSH) risks in ATC stem from how controllers interact with various systems necessary for their roles, highlighting the need for a well-designed work organization to mitigate hazards. While OSH issues have been extensively studied in sectors like agriculture, medicine, and road transport, there is limited research on how work organization affects the safety and health of Air Traffic Controllers in Kenya. This study evaluated safety and health issues of work organization affecting air traffic controllers in Kenya, using a quantitative descriptive design with n = 64 controllers from a population of 172. Data was collected via checklists and questionnaires and analyzed with SPSS. The study revealed that shift work schedules were unfavorable for air traffic controllers (ATCOs) operating in a 24-hour cycle. Specifically, 43.8% reported that duty cycles negatively impacted their social lives, with the effect most pronounced among 90% of respondents from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Moi International Airport (MIA). Additionally, 77% experienced mild headaches after shifts, 48.4% had difficulty sleeping after night shifts, and 68.8% reported back pains, indicating substantial physical strain. A strong correlation (r = 0.726) was observed between sitting time and screen time, with average shift durations extending up to 18 hours. This reflects limited opportunities for rest or movement during work. Notably, 53.1% of respondents reported spending nearly the entire shift seated and using the screen without breaks. Alarmingly, 85% preferred self-medication over seeking professional medical care, highlighting potential issues with health-seeking behavior. Psychosocial stressors were also significant. Key stressors included the fear of making an error (51.6%), handling emergencies (56.3%), and managing difficult pilots (65.6%). Additionally, 45.3% felt that institutional audits prioritized aviation safety over their personal health and safety. Motivational challenges were also evident: 84.4% felt unrecognized for their routine efforts, and 96.9% reported receiving no acknowledgment for effectively handling emergencies. The findings indicate that occupational safety and health issues among ATCOs in Kenya are heavily influenced by unfavorable work organization, particularly in relation to shift scheduling, prolonged sedentary time, and lack of adequate recognition. These outcomes align with the Circadian Rhythm Theory, which emphasizes the adverse effects of disrupting the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, and the Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) Model, which links high job demands and insufficient rewards to elevated stress levels. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach. Enhancing staffing levels and introducing more flexible shift rotations would help reduce fatigue and promote better work-life balance. Ergonomic improvements and scheduled breaks are essential to mitigate physical strain. Furthermore, establishing structured recognition and reward systems would boost motivation and reduce work-related stress. A shift in organizational culture is also needed to prioritize not just aviation safety, but the holistic well-being of the ATCOs themselves.