Dorsopathy in urban public transport drivers in relation to occupational risks and workloads

Abstract

Drivers in urban public transport are exposed to specific risks and workloads with both somatic and psychological effects on their health. The most common somatic disorders are musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs), especially those of the spine, and some of them can be occupational diseases. The present paper represents a sequence from an ample study that has followed the effects of this professional activity on work aptitude and workers’ state of health and then has established prevention measures, respectively measures for reduction of identified risk factors. An ergonomic, complex and multidimensional methodology has been used. The health state analysis has been performed through a prevalence, cross-sectional study on three cohorts (bus, tram, trolleybus drivers). In all groups, a high percentage of spinal pathology has been found, especially lumbosacral. The highest percentage of dorsopathies has been registered in the group of the trolleybus drivers (48%), followed by the tram (43%) and the bus (42%). In all three cohorts, a significant percentage in disc herniation in the age group 36-45 years old has been found, which can indicate premature wear. The identification of occupational risk factors has allowed for the establishment of a set of prevention / reduction measures.