Work related musculo-skeletal disorders among the truck drivers

Abstract

Purpose: To identify the work-related musculoskeletal disorders among the truck drivers. Objectives: The overall objective of this study was the percentage of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) among truck drivers. Specific objectives were to find out the socio- demographic and ergonomics related factors associated with musculoskeletal disorder. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted. Eighty truck drivers of Gabtoli truck station have participated in this study. The data were collected by face to face interview including the socio-demographic data; information related to driving, ergonomics related questionnaires and information related to musculoskeletal disorders. Collected data was entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: The proportion of musculoskeletal disorders is 77.5%. Among the musculoskeletal disorder the neck, shoulder and lower back area were found to be the highest pain complaints with 66.1%, 66.1% and 85.5%. Truck drivers also reported greatest discomfort in the neck (66.1%), upper back (79%), shoulder (66.1%), elbow (1.6%), wrist/hand (40.3%), lower back (85.5%), hip/ thigh (20%), knee (58.1%), ankle (22.6%). Conclusion: Truck driver are encouraged to explore ways to improve their truck driving interaction efficiency and seek formal training in the operating systems they use in their workplaces, non-ergonomic related factors should be trained-up and need proper ergonomically set up for truck driving work station through occupational health and safety services.