Abstract:
The aim of the study was to explore the factors that contribute to occupational stress
among the fire-fighters employed by the Polokwane Local Municipality, Capricorn District
of Limpopo. The study focused on the following variables: working relationships, work load, nature of work, deadlines pressure and work-home balance. The nature of the study
is qualitative.
The study data was collected from July to September 2015. The researcher interviewed
fire-fighters in Polokwane Local Municipality. An in-depth semi-structured interview was
utilised as the data collection method. The instrument used in the study was a semi
structured interview schedule. Data was thematically analysed.
The study findings showed that working relationships, work-load, nature of work, deadline
pressure and work-home balance contributed to occupational stress. The study also
found that occupational stress had negative effects on both the fire-fighters and their
organisation
