Effects of ergonomic and health training on work interest, work ability and health in elderly public urban transport drivers

Abstract

Public urban transport drivers of the Munich Transportation Authority (n=122) with an average age of 50 years participated in 20 health days with full paid worktime over one year. The training consisted of physical exercise, professional skills training and self-experience in groups. The evaluation instruments were the work ability index (WAI) developed by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health and the effect typology (ET) developed by the Austrian Institute of Occupational Health Promotion (IBG-Österreich). No changes were found in the WAI score. The ET evaluated for 50% of the participants the optimal effect “evolution”, i.e., psychobiological and noetic changes. A variance analysis of the WAI pre–post differences according to the effect classes of the ET showed significant differences, namely an increase in the WAI in the evolution group and a drop in the recovery group. The thoughts on early retirement decreased in the “evolution group”. The improvement of work ability and interest in work is essential for keeping elderly workers at work. The “individual” health training in Munich led to a rise of the WAI and indicated that, owing to its elements, this programme had an impact on ergonomics and relations at workplace.