This study describes the methods used to minimize any work-based disru
ption to the lives of research officers investigating traumatic work-r
elated deaths. Twenty-two research officers from a variety of backgrou
nds were recruited to collect data for a study of work-related traumat
ic death in Australia. The information was collected from coronial fil
es, which often contain detailed information about the circumstances s
urrounding the fatal incident; graphic descriptions and photos of the
injuries sustained; and intimate personal details of the deceased pers
ons. Specific interventions to minimize problems included: discussing
with potential research officers the possible difficulties that might
arise from reading the file contents; arranging for a grief counsellor
to attend the training and discuss specific techniques for dealing wi
th any emotional problems that might arise during the work (this sessi
on included a tour of a morgue); arranging for the research officers t
o work in pairs, with the aim of providing personal support and encour
agement whenever it might be needed; flexibility of working hours; and
encouraging contact with members of the study team. The paired workin
g approach appeared to provide effective emotional support. The majori
ty of the research officers reported that they occasionally were upset
by the information in the files but that this was easily managed by t
alking to their fellow researcher and/or spending a few hours away fro
m the work. They also reported that their approach to life out of hour
s became more cautious. One of the research officers withdrew from the
study after two weeks because of physical and psychological symptoms
attributed to encountering the information in the files. Within a few
weeks of withdrawing these problems had resolved. The possible persona
l impact on researchers of data collection should be considered in the
planning stages of studies where the content has the potential to cau
se distress. Specific measures may then be implemented to minimize any
disruption to the lives of the personnel involved. (C) 1997 Elsevier
Science Ltd.