A questionnaire survey of Norwegian taxi drivers’ musculoskeletal health, and work-related risk factors

A questionnaire survey was carried out among taxi drivers in Norway to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and to identify work-related factors that are likely to increase the risk of neck, shoulder or lower back pain. Nearly 1500 taxi drivers were chosen nationally to form the subject pool. One-year musculoskeletal pain prevalence (MSP) was assessed with the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), and work-related factors with a questionnaire designed for the purpose. The response included 929 (63.4%) of the drivers contacted. The results revealed that taxi drivers have an elevated risk of musculoskeletal problems compared to a Norwegian reference population. When workload and lifestyle factors were analysed simultaneously, independent risk factors for MSP were identified as driving hours per shift and per week, sleeping in the car during rest breaks, experience of violence, body mass index (BMI), unhealthy eating habits and little physical exercise. Significant demographic variables were gender and ethnic origin; female drivers and non-western immigrants being at higher risk. In addition, employed drivers had higher risk for MSP than taxi owners.Relevance to industryThe study results have particular relevance for the occupational health and safety authorities as well as the drivers themselves, and mechanisms found for informing and educating them appropriately.