Assessment of physical work demands of long-distance industrial gas delivery truck drivers

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the work-related physical demands of long-distance truck drivers employed by a large gas delivery company in Canada. Methods: A total of 15 truck drivers participated in a data collection that included self-reporting assessments, field observations, and direct measurements to describe daily tasks organization, postural demands, physical workload, and force exertions. Results: Truck drivers' work was characterized by long working days ranging from 9.9 to 15.1 h (mean = 11.4 h), with half (49%) of the total working time spent behind the wheel. The overall workload as measured by relative cardiac strain (18.7% RHR) was found excessive for the long term given the shift duration. Peaks of heart rate in excess of 30 beats per minute above the daily average occurred mainly while operating valves and handling heavy hoses during gas deliveries. The task of delivering gas at a client's site required a moderate work rate on average (8.3 mlO(2)/kg/min) requiring 24.4% or maximum work capacity on average. Conclusion: Based on multiple data sources, this study highlights the risks of over-exertion and of excessive physical fatigue in the truck drivers' work that are coherent with the high prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal pain in this group of workers.

Automated summary

The study found that long-distance truck drivers have long working hours, excessive workload, and risks of over-exertion and physical fatigue.