ERGONOMIC EVALUATION OF TRANSPORT WORKSTATIONS. A SURVEY-BASED APPROACH
ERGONOMIC EVALUATION OF TRANSPORT WORKSTATIONS. A SURVEY-BASED APPROACH

Summary/Abstract: This paper presents the results of a survey of mobile transport operators such as drivers, professional drivers, couriers and paramedics. The main objective of the study was to assess the state of ergonomics in means of transport and to identify the problems they face in their daily work. An expert survey was used for the assessment. The questionnaire comprised 48 questions, which were divided into 5 main sections: general questions, questions on psycho-physical condition, questions on work organisation, questions on means of transport and the nuisances that prevail at the workplace, and questions related to factors of the material working environment. More than 300 operators took part in the survey. The online surveys were conducted, among others, via a Google form, using the CAWI method. For the purpose of this article, selected results from surveys on ergonomic issues at the transport operator's workstation using the descriptive characteristics method are discussed. The results directly describe the intensities of nuisances and complaints. The results indicated exposures and discomforts occurring at the workplace of transport equipment operators. Among others, the following were found: the discomfort of being in a forced position or being exposed to the need to carry heavy loads, with the indicated total weight of the loads carried averaging about 50 kg, and the need to maintain an awkward position for long periods of time. This results in musculoskeletal disorders and occupational diseases as well as a decrease in work efficiency, indirectly in fatigue and an increased risk of errors. The welfare of people should be prioritized over technical requirements and the designed workspace should be created with people for people.

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