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Self-reported musculoskeletal problems amongst professional truck drivers
1Department of Human Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK.
Ergonomics
|April 26, 2007
Summary
Truck drivers experience high rates of musculoskeletal pain, particularly low back pain. Manual handling and seat discomfort, not vibration exposure, were linked to these issues, guiding risk reduction strategies.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Ergonomics
- Musculoskeletal disorders
Background:
- Occupational driving, especially for truck drivers, is linked to a high prevalence of back pain.
- Contributing factors include prolonged sitting, poor posture, whole-body vibration, and non-driving factors like heavy lifting and psychosocial issues.
- European regulations identify truck drivers as an 'at risk' group requiring risk reduction for vibration exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between musculoskeletal problems and potential risk factors in HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) truck drivers.
- To inform and prioritize actions for reducing occupational risks in this population.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based study was conducted with 192 truck drivers.
- Data collected included weekly hours and distance driven (vibration exposure measures), manual handling activities, ergonomic factors (seat discomfort), and musculoskeletal problem prevalence.
- Statistical analysis examined associations between exposures and reported symptoms.
Main Results:
- 81% of drivers reported musculoskeletal pain in the past year; 60% reported low back pain.
- Contrary to expectations, lower vibration exposures (measured by distance driven) were reported by drivers with musculoskeletal symptoms.
- Manual handling and subjective ratings of seat discomfort were significantly associated with reported musculoskeletal problems.
Conclusions:
- Musculoskeletal problems in truck drivers are prevalent and associated with manual handling and seat discomfort.
- Vibration exposure, when measured by distance driven, did not correlate with increased musculoskeletal symptoms in this cohort.
- Risk reduction strategies should prioritize ergonomic interventions related to manual handling and seating, alongside addressing other contributing factors.
