Research and analysis of work ergonomics of selected transport means operators

Abstract

Ergonomics of transport means along with safety, availability, efficiency or eco-friendliness is one of the main assessment criteria for transport means functioning. Assessment of the considered transport systems operation depends on their operators’ behaviour, functioning of vehicles and environmental factors. Having this in mind, it needs to be noted that the issue of transport systems ergonomics is, on the one hand closely related to the transport means, and on the other hand it directly affects peoples’ actions and improves the possibilities to adapt to the environment, taking into consideration external factors. The aim of this study is to provide assessment and analysis of the influence of the operator’s work place ergonomics of given transport means on the quality of transport services. The research object are delivery trucks, and motor cars, different in terms of the total capacity. In the first part of the study the problems connected with an operator’s work place ergonomics is discussed and the concept of transport means ergonomics is defined. The role of ergonomics in a professional driver’s work is specified. The factors and threats affecting safety of operators’ behaviour are identified. A survey was developed and carried out among professional drivers to identify factors affecting the transport process as well as factors improving the driver’s work comfort. On this basis, an analysis of the obtained results was made and negative ergonomic aspects involved in a vehicle driver’s work place have been presented. The impact of selected elements of the driver’s cabin equipment on safety and work comfort is evaluated. Problems ad their causes are identified. Solutions to these problems are proposed in order to improve ergonomics of the vehicle driver’s work place, thus affecting the quality of a system operation according to the sociotechnical approach.