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27 August 2010 - NR 33/10

IOSH highlights importance of psychological health as concern for Chilean miners’ mental wellbeing grows

Amidst growing concern for the 33 trapped Chilean miners’ psychological wellbeing, the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has warned of the risk of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) the workers could face upon rescue.

Jill Joyce, Senior Policy and Technical Adviser at for IOSH also discussed measures the 33 could take whilst trapped, to prevent the likelihood of their developing the anxiety disorder in the wake of the San Jose copper mine ordeal.

She said: "Anyone directly involved in an accident or traumatic event can develop PTSD, but it can also appear in family members who have witnessed that event.

"The condition can manifest itself as late as six months after, so the Chilean miners and their families will need ongoing support during, as well as counselling after the San Jose incident."

The miners have been stuck 700m below ground since 5 August and have been told it may be several months before they can be rescued. Although reports have declared that the 33 reacted calmly upon being told the news, fears are growing for the sanity of the workers who have not been given an exact date. It is thought they are at risk of suffering from depression, anguish and malaise.

Jill Joyce added: “It has been reported that anti-depressant drugs have been sent down to the miners – these together with exercise should help to make them less vulnerable to depression.

"Being able to speak to the outside world is also important while they are in the mine, but at the same time it is important they hear positive messages rather than problems."

It is not only the miners, but their families, who have set up a temporary village in northern Chile, that could suffer from PTSD. They are currently sleeping under plastic sheets in freezing cold conditions, and although they are aware it could take until Christmas before the rescue is possible, loved ones face a struggle to maintain positivity and morale.

The miners are located 7km (4.5miles) into the copper and gold mine, where they are sheltering in a 50 sq m side-chamber off a main passage, in cramped conditions.

Other health aspects include an ongoing risk of spread of infection and disease from poor sanitation. An exercise and recreation programme has also been set up to ensure the men are able to fit through the 66cm (26 inches) wide rescue shaft that is now being bored.

- Ends -

Notes for editors:

IOSH is the Chartered body for health and safety professionals. With more than 40,000 members in 85 countries, we’re the world’s biggest professional health and safety organisation.

We set standards, and support, develop and connect our members with resources, guidance, events and training. We’re the voice of the profession, and campaign on issues that affect millions of working people.

IOSH was founded in 1945 and is a registered charity with international NGO status.

Information about PTSD:

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the name given to the psychological and physical problems that can sometimes follow particular threatening or distressing events.

PTSD can affect a person directly involved in an accident or traumatic event but also can develop in family members, those who may have witnessed the event and in employees of the emergency services who have had to deal with the event.

PTSD is characterised by the following symptoms:

Repeated intrusive memories of the event
Flashbacks
Sleep disturbance or nightmares
Avoidance of situations that remind the person of the event
Feelings of guilt at having survived
Irritability and problems concentrating.

These symptoms need to be present for at least one month.

Sometimes the onset of PTSD is delayed until six months of more after the event.

Acute PTSD usually occurs six weeks to six months after the incident and lasts less than six months.

Chronic PTSD is where problems last longer than six months.

PTSD might affect an individual’s ability to act as a witness.

Treatment can include:

Cognitive behavioural therapy (which focuses on changing the individual’s thoughts and behaviour that are preventing them living a normal life.
Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing. This helps the individual come to terms with their memory and encourages more positive thoughts.
Drug therapy such as anti depressants eg. paroxetine, that increases serotonin.

Sometimes there are biological abnormalities that can be associated with PTSD. These can cause a lower pain threshold. This has been associated with why some trauma victims are vulnerable to substance abuse and alcoholism.

This information is compiled from the following sources:

http://www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/live/10966/29782/29782.pdf

http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/hsl_pdf/2004/hsl0416.pdf

http://www.hse.gov.uk/foi/internalops/fod/oc/100-199/171_1.pdf

Wolf ME, Mosnaim AD, Puente J, Ignacio R Plasma methionine-enkephalin in PTSD Biological Pscyhiatry Vol 29 (3) Feb 1991 pp 305-307