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 mlO₂/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.

中文翻译：

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长途工业气体输送卡车司机体力工作需求评估。

目的

本研究的目的是评估加拿大一家大型天然气运输公司雇用的长途卡车司机与工作相关的体力需求。

方法

共有 15 名卡车司机参与了数据收集，其中包括自我报告评估、现场观察和直接测量，以描述日常任务组织、姿势要求、体力工作量和力量消耗。

结果

卡车司机的工作时间长，从 9.9 小时到 15.1 小时不等（平均 = 11.4 小时），总工作时间的一半 (49%) 花在驾驶上。考虑到轮班持续时间，通过相对心脏应变 (18.7% RHR) 衡量的总体工作量被发现长期过度。心率峰值超过每日平均每分钟 30 次，主要发生在气体输送过程中操作阀门和处理重型软管时。在客户现场输送气体的任务平均需要中等工作速率 (8.3 mlO ₂ /kg/min)，平均需要 24.4% 或最大工作能力。

结论

本研究基于多个数据源，强调了卡车司机工作中过度劳累和过度身体疲劳的风险，这与该组工人自我报告的肌肉骨骼疼痛的高患病率相一致。