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Buncefield tanker drivers suffering from stress
Page 8
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SEVERAL TANKER drivers forced to run for their lives after the Buncefield oil depot explosion are off work with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Nine drivers on contract for Total and Texaco are on longterm sick leave with PTSD, says Andrew Dodgson of the Transport & General Workers Union (T&G). The two oil companies jointly own the depot in Hemel Hempstead, Herts.
PTSD is caused by trauma; it results in psychological and emotional distress and can develop after stressful events.
Dodgson says the employers are being very understanding and are providing the drivers mil counselling: "The important thing is to get over the incident, which is as traumatic as anything could be for them."
One of the drivers is said to be so disturbed by the explosion that he has difficulty turning on a light in a room.
Dr Andrea Malizia, lecturer on psycho-pharmacology at Bristol University, says about 20% of people who experience a traumatic road traffic accident will develop PTSD.
He is not surprised the Buncefield drivers are suffering from PTSD: "They would have thought that they were going to be blown up — it was such a horrific set of events."