Assessing work-related musculoskeletal disorders and psychosocial risks in bus drivers: insights from a municipal company case study in Portugal

Front Public Health. 2025 Apr 30;13:1529023. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1529023. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The public transport sector plays a crucial role in society, offering essential services and providing employment to a significant number of drivers. Despite the importance of this sector, it is essential to recognize that drivers are exposed to various occupational risks inherent to their daily work, which can have serious implications for their health. This study aims to characterize and analyse Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD) and psychosocial risks in a public transport company.

METHODS: In the initial phase of the study, a questionnaire was administered to assess musculoskeletal symptoms and psychosocial risks. In the second phase, an inertial motion capture system was used to evaluate the risk of developing WMSD.

RESULTS: The results revealed a significant and concerning prevalence of burnout, with over 60% of workers reporting high or severe levels across all dimensions (i.e., personal, work-related, and client-related burnout). Depression, anxiety, and stress were within typical ranges, though a relevant percentage of participants exhibited severe and extremely severe levels of depression (7.2%), anxiety (12.2%), and stress (8%). Musculoskeletal discomfort was highly prevalent, particularly in the lower back (68.3%) and neck regions (57.2%), regarding pain over the last 12 months. Additionally, the risk of developing WMSDs was high across the various microtasks, which were analyzed across different bus lines and routes, with Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) scores ranging from 4 (Medium Risk) to 7 (Very High Risk).

DISCUSSION: Based on the results, varying bus types and routes is recommended. Programs should enhance wellbeing, and studies should assess interventions on health, stress, and occupational risks focused on enhancing worker wellbeing should be implemented, and future studies should assess the impact of interventions targeting health, stress, and occupational risks.

PMID:40371301 | PMC:PMC12075220 | DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2025.1529023