The impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on health and working conditions of Swiss bus drivers

Abstract

IntroductionFor decades, bus drivers (BDs) have been recognized as one of the most exposed occupational groups worldwide. Yet, BDs’ health issues have not attracted sufficient attention. During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, BDs were part of essential workers and experienced additional occupational exposures related to the pandemic crisis. MethodWe conducted a nationwide cross-sectional study among Swiss BDs to assess the impact of these exposures on their working and health conditions. The latter were treated as dichotomous variables, assessed using a self-administered online questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed via all three unions active in the public transport sector in Switzerland since 40% of BDs are unionized. Data were analyzed using linear and logistic regression models adjusted for socio-professional and demographic characteristics of BDs. ResultsThe study sample included 916 participants. The overall response rate was 21%. The average age was 48.2 years (SD = 9.7) and the driving seniority was 11.5 years (SD = 9.7). Most BDs felt sufficiently protected. However, 58% and 42% of BDs, respectively, had to replace their colleagues on short notice and worked extra hours. For 41% of BDs, these constraints negatively impacted their physical or mental health. BDs graded their companies' management of SARS-CoV-2 crisis at 4.1 (SD = 1.2) on a 6-point scale. This grade was associated with shortening of rest phase and impact on health. Exposure and its impact on health varied across geographic regions and unions. In Eastern Switzerland, BDs' satisfaction rates were lower than in Espace Mitteland and with a stronger pandemic impact on working conditions and health. Part-time work was associated with lower pandemic impact and higher BD's satisfaction rate regarding working conditions. ConclusionAssessment of BDs’ work conditions and their changes associated with the pandemic is necessary to insure a better crisis management in the future, especially in regions and unions with low satisfaction rates.