Occupational fatigue and health of gas station workers: A review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Occupational health factors such as shift work, sleep, fatigue, and work environment jeopardise the health and safety of gas station workers. This calls for new research to investigate how the working environment and characteristics impact the occupational health of workers at gas stations. However, minimal research has been conducted in this field, especially those involving psychological and behavioural factors, occupational stress, and so forth. OBJECTIVE: This review was performed to investigate the present condition of the occupational risk of gas station workers in this safety-critical position. METHODS: Five databases (Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar, and PsycINFO) were searched for relevant peer-reviewed studies. Results were selected according to these criteria: studies on fatigue, shift work, sleep, and physical and mental health of gas station employees; published on or before November 11, 2021; papers in English. RESULTS: Twenty studies were considered for the final analysis. The results showed that shift work at gas stations leads to psychological and physiological problems. The psychological consequences included anxiety, stress, and depression, while the physiological consequences included biochemical changes and lifestyle consequences. CONCLUSION: Shift work and the specific working environment of gas station employees adversely affect their sleep, stress levels, physical and mental health, and turnover intention. This systematic review allowed us to consider the occupational risk factors that can lead to sickness or accidents and contribute to reducing these risk factors. Realistic countermeasures ought to be established and interventions must be explored to mitigate risks to life, property, and the environment in operating gas stations.

Exposure to benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) at Nigeria's petrol stations: a review of current status, challenges and future directions

“…In addition, compared to benzene, which the IARC has classified as human carcinogen Group 1 causing acute myeloid leukemia and acute non-lymphocytic leukemia ( 43 ), inorganic lead compounds are probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A) ( 206 ) and organic lead are not classifiable in human carcinogenicity (Group 3) ( 206 ). Thus, while efforts to completely phase out lead in gasoline in Nigeria continue, future research efforts on BTEX exposures at NPSs should be considered favorably, as benzene remains the most toxic chemical additive in gasoline ( 207 , 208 ).…”

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders, fatigue and stress among gas station workers in China: a cross-sectional study

“…A recent review emphasised the importance of occupational health concerns for gas station workers, concluding that shift work and the specific work environment of gas station workers can adversely affect their sleep, stress levels, physical and mental health, and turnover intention. 1 The work design of this job role is varied in different countries and regions; for example, in developed countries such as the USA, self-service refuelling is common, and gas stations often employ managers, cashiers and similar staff while in developing countries such as China, they still rely on manual refuelling operations, which increases the number of gas station workers needed. Regardless of the operational mode, very little empirical research has focused on the occupational health concerns of gas station workers in comparison to the range of risk factors to which they are exposed.…”

“…Gas station workers face inevitable occupational stress, and their extensive workloads require an elevated level of alertness and motivation to fulfil their duties. 1 The duties of gas station workers encompass refuelling, sales and communication with customers and colleagues, alongside additional security responsibilities. 2 As a service industry, they also require emotional intelligence to provide exceptional service quality continually.…”

“… 14 Many previous studies on the health and well-being of gas station workers focus primarily on the negative effects of organic solvents such as benzene on physiological health and the nervous system. However, gas station workers usually experience poor ergonomic working conditions for long periods, as their work tasks include repetitive, awkward body movements, 1 which can contribute to an increase in WMSDs.…”