Stress prevention at the work place has proved particularly effective in combating stress, by attacking its roots and causes, rather than merely treating its effects.
Critical incident stress management (CISM) is a wide range of programmes and intervention strategies which have been designed to mitigate the impact of stress in personnel and to assist them in managing and recovering from significant stress. (Adapted from Jeffrey Mitchell Ph.D.) [San José 86.C.6-8, amended Taipei 97.C.6].
IFATCA Policy is:The Federation recognises the importance of stress management for air traffic controllers and recommends that, at regular intervals, air traffic controllers be provided with up-to- date information on stress management techniques. The Federation urges MAs to bring to their administration’s attention the stress-inducing potential of their work environment in order that particular consideration is given to ensure that the work environment is suitable and as stress-free as possible. The Federation endorses the use of professionally trained peers in the provision of critical incident stress management (CISM) to colleagues experiencing critical incident stress (CIS). Comprehensive and confidential support services should be available at all times for air traffic controllers, support staff and their families. Professional critical incident stress support services should be made available to air traffic controllers involved in ATC incidents / accidents and any other occurrences that have potential to create critical stress reactions influencing the ATCO’s performance. It is the controllers’ choice whether or not to take advantage of these support services. |
| See: WP 158 – Istanbul 2007, Resolution C31 – WP 78 – Virtual 2022
See also: WP 89 – Kaohsiung 2006, WP 160 – Taipei 1997 and WP 24 – San José 1986 |
Last Update: August 11, 2022