Do occupational hazards have a direct effect on attitudes & behaviour of wardens?

Abstract

This study looks at the occupational hazards that local wardens in Malta go through in their normal working environment and how this hazard effects their behaviour and attitude. This will be determined by looking at two main spheres, which are, the occupational hazards and attitudes and behaviours in the wardens' working and social life. This dissertation investigates whether wardens are treated violently when they carry out specific duties such as issuing contravention tickets, and/or if there is a perception against all wardens in general, even when they carry out other duties that are more "soft" such as closing a road for road works or simply walking down the street in wardens' uniform. Primary data for this analysis was obtained by means of interviews with wardens who have occupied this position for several years. Secondary data was obtained through research about the subject matter in other countries. The information gathered was analysed and evaluated for the purpose of finally attempting to provide a better understanding of whether attitudes and behaviours change as a result of the work that a person is doing. The main findings in this dissertation were that wardens do change their attitudes and behaviours after doing the job. However, this is not the only change as respondents confirmed that even the way that others look at them changes after they started to work as wardens.