Ergonomic Analysis of Factors Causing Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) in Heavy Vehicle Drivers
Asok Kumar N1, Regi Kumar V2
1Asok Kumar N, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering Trivandrum, Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) India.
2Dr. Regi Kumar V, Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering Trivandrum, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
Manuscript received on 04 January 2023 | Revised Manuscript received on 16 January 2023 | Manuscript Accepted on 15 February 2023 | Manuscript published on 28 February 2023 | PP: 30-34 | Volume-12 Issue-3, February 2023 | Retrieval Number: 100.1/ijeat.C39930212323 | DOI: 10.35940/ijeat.C3993.0212323
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© The Authors. Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering and Sciences Publication (BEIESP). This is an open access article under the CC-BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
Abstract: Driving comfort is essential for any class of vehicle drivers. Seating comfort is necessary for drivers who undergo extended periods of driving, and its associated side effects include a higher risk of back problems, discomfort in the neck, shoulders, and thighs. Maintaining a good sitting position and correct posture is essential for drivers to reduce various work-related injuries. Several occupational risk factors may affect the work performance of heavy vehicle drivers, potentially leading to health issues. One of these issues is the driver’s exposure to Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD). MSDs are injuries and disorders that affect the human body’s movement or musculoskeletal system. This is because heavy vehicle drivers are often exposed to vibration, prolonged sitting and other postural factors. Some are related to the actual driving task, traffic situation, individual variability and cabin layout. Musculoskeletal disorders are primarily associated with work postures and movements, repetitiveness and pace of work, force of movement, vibration, temperature, workplace layout, and monotonous tasks. The mentioned risk factors may not only affect the health of heavy vehicle drivers but also cause related road accidents. To determine the occupational risk factors, a study is required to identify the current condition of heavy vehicle drivers regarding major risk factors. Furthermore, this study aims to identify the significant factors influencing the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders through statistical analysis.
Keywords: Driver, Demographic Factors, Experience, Working Hours, Musculoskeletal Disorders.
Scope of the Article: Mechanical Design