Essential Occupational Risk and Health Interventions for Taiwan’s Bus Drivers

Risk and health have been always linked with occupation issues. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) affects workforce due to long duration of work and improper posture. Professional drivers are particularly at high risk for developing leg, back, neck pain from prolonged sitting position and vehicular vibration. The study aimed to assess significant ergonomic exposure on the risk of MSD of bus drivers, evaluate the existing workstation of bus drivers, and recommend solutions to minimize MSD of drivers. The study focused on 109 tourist bus drivers in southern region of Taiwan. The study used Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaires (CMDQ) and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) to assess significant MSD of bus drivers. Statistical tests such as ANOVA and Chi-square test were conducted to determine significant body parts of bus drivers that may cause them discomfort. The results showed that the bus driver's age was significant with respect to the years of driving. The risk level results of bus drivers indicated significant difference with respect to the different body parts. In conclusion, MSD can affect anybody as long as improper work practices and posture are being undertaken, and following the guidelines of the revised ISO 16121-1:2012 will improve the ease of operation, ergonomics and comfort for bus drivers.