Realistic training can help employees perform in high-risk situations

Psychological factors, particularly stress, can impact an employee’s ability to perform their duties, especially in uncommon and high-risk situations, such as an evacuation, escape or rescue (EER). Not only can stress cause distraction and confusion, it can impact an employee’s physical performance, as well, Dr Ranjana Mehta said in a presentation at the 2017 IADC HSE&T Conference in Houston. In this video from the conference on 7 February, Dr Mehta, Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health at Texas A&M University, explains findings from a study that measured hand grip endurance – a key factor in EER scenarios – with and without the presence of stress. She also discusses the importance of consistent and realistic training, which can better equip employees to perform their duties even when under stress.