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Abstract
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Background & Objectives
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among truck drivers are increasingly being recognized as detrimental to health, accounting for nearly one-half of all work-related illnesses and one-quarter of all lost-time claims. Despite this, we have little understanding of what factors are associated with musculoskeletal (MSK) pain and discomfort leading to MSDs in Canadian truck drivers.
Objectives
To assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and discomfort in Canadian truck drivers and its association with various factors in the trucking work environment.
Methods
Using a cross-sectional design, 107 truckers at two truck stops in Southern Ontario were surveyed. Information on physical, organizational, and individual factors were collected using a newly developed questionnaire. The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and discomfort was assessed using the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire.
Results
From the total cohort, 61 truck drivers (57%) reported experiencing musculoskeletal pain and discomfort, while 46 (43%) did not. Logistic regression analyses revealed that only level of risk and hours spent driving the truck over a 7-day span were positively associated with MSK pain and discomfort. The final multivariable regression model, for drivers reporting MSK pain and discomfort, demonstrated a significant association with individual (marital status and education), organizational (safety factors including control on the job, frequency of safety meetings, management involvement when a worker is injured/ill and presence of safety equipment), as well as physical factors (level of risk and worker perception of job and associated tasks).
Conclusion
Findings reveal that most factors are largely modifiable, suggesting the need to develop or tailor organizational guidelines to the needs of workers at multiple levels.
Language: en |