Impacts of risk perceptions of secondhand exposure to drugs on intent to leave among transit operators

This study investigates whether transit operators' risk perceptions of workplace exposure to drug use incidents, occupational stress, and job satisfaction were associated with intent to leave their job. A cross-sectional survey of operators from union locals (WA, OR) assessed perceived risk of drug exposures, occupational stress, job satisfaction, and intent to leave (N = 273). Ordinal logistic regression models were developed for intent to leave. Most operators were bus drivers. Higher perceived risk was significantly positively associated with greater intent to leave; stress and job satisfaction attenuated this relationship. Higher stress and lower job satisfaction were significantly associated with greater intent to leave across models. Operator turnover can potentially be reduced by increasing supports targeting risk perceptions of drugs, such as training, or by providing supports (e.g., mental health resources) that reduce stress and improve job satisfaction.