According to data, more than 3 out of every 5 truck drivers suffer from a musculoskeletal disorder, which is mostly caused by work-related risk factors, according to findings from a recent research review.
Researchers from Kerman University of Medical Sciences examined 15 studies on MSDs in trucking, which included nearly 2,700 drivers. They discovered that 61.8% of drivers had an MSD. The most commonly affected body parts are the shoulder (31.5%), neck (25.8%), lower back (23.5%), and knee (22.3%).
MSDs include tendonitis, back strains and sprains, and carpal tunnel syndrome. According to the National Safety Council, MSDs are the most prevalent workplace injury and the main cause of worker disability, early retirement, and loss of gainful employment.
According to the study, truck drivers are more likely to develop an MSD due to the numerous risk factors inherent in the job. Among them:
Long-term static postures.
Awkward postures include moving the neck and trunk forward and sideways.
Whole-body vibration.
Intense shaking.
Pulling, lifting, and transporting loads
“To decrease the prevalence of MSDs among truck drivers, it is recommended to develop and implement essential training programs, ergonomic interventions, and regular evaluations of the work environment,” the study’s authors state.
The study was published in the journal BMC Public Health.