Evaluation of Working Posture on Bus Traffic Controllers

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the working posture of bus traffic controllers. The Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) prevalence and the exposure to the ergonomic risks factors (ERFs) among bus traffic controllers were determined. There were 26 respondents (16 male and 10 female) who were bus traffic controllers (BTC) at a prominent bus service provider were selected as the subjects. Data for Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) prevalence among the bus traffic controllers were collected using Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and direct observation and assessment of ergonomic risks factors were conducted via Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA). By using ROSA, the BTCs working posture and work environment were checked and measured in order to quantify the risks to ERFs. According to the assessment, more than half (15/26 respondents) of the bus traffic controllers were found to have an extreme posture with the ergonomic risk level was high (more than 4) (action level 3) which required a further investigation and changes of work habits soon. The research showed that most of the bus traffic controllers (BTC) were exposed to high ergonomics risk for MSDs development. To avoid MSDs, the personal working behaviours and the design of the computer-based workstations must be improved based on ergonomic principles.