[Analysis and prevention of influencing factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders among bus drivers]

Objective: To investigate the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in bus drivers in Zhuhai City, analyze the ergonomic factors, and explore the prevention and control measures of WMSDs. Methods: From March to May 2023, 1675 active bus drivers from 5 branches of a bus group in Zhuhai were selected by stratified sampling method. The incidence of WMSDs among bus drivers in the past 12 months was investigated by using the modified Chinese Version of Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire. The influencing factors of WMSDs were analyzed by χ(2) test and generalized linear model. Results: The total incidence of WMSDs in bus drivers in the past 12 months was 47.2% (790/1675) , and the incidence of WMSDs in neck and shoulder and lower back was 36.9% (618/1675) and 31.7% (531/1675) , respectively. The χ(2) test showed that there were statistically significant differences in the incidence of WMSDs among bus drivers with different individual factors such as body mass index (BMI) , physical exercise and looking down at mobile phones (P<0.05) . There were significant differences in the incidence of WMSDs in the neck and shoulder of bus drivers with different years of service and number of stops on their routes (P<0.05) . There were statistically significant differences in the incidence of WMSDs in the lower back of bus drivers with different one-way driving time, shift patterns, and rest breaks during work (P<0.05) . Abnormal BMI, professional working years >12 years, uncomfortable working posture, frequent turning, slightly forward neck posture, large forward neck posture and long shoulder posture were the risk factors for WMSDs of bus drivers (P<0.05) , and comfortable seat was the protective factor (P<0.05) . One-way driving time >70 min, shift work schedules, uncomfortable working posture, slightly forward back posture, and frequent turning were the risk factors leading to lower back WMSDs (P<0.05) , and physical exercise, comfortable driving cabin space, and seat comfort were the protective factors (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The total incidence of WMSDs in bus drivers is higher, and ergonomic factors are related to the occurrence of WMSDs. In the implementation of bus driving space comfort, human-computer interaction interface friendliness and seat comfort, employers should be reasonable allocation of fitness facilities, regular training, reasonable shift organization and other measures to prevent and control the occurrence of bus drivers WMSDs.