Oil spill response operations are inherently high-stress environments that expose responders to a range of physical and psychological challenges. Despite the known mental health risks associated with emergency response work, to date there was limited research focused specifically on oil spill responders. At IOSC 2024 a survey was launched across industry to report on these effects. This study aimed to identify key stressors that may affect responders as well as support that could be provided to them during and after deployment. The survey was designed and distributed to responders worldwide, yielding 272 responses from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
It is well worth a read and available at no cost at:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X26004078