Ergonomics Study of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Tram Drivers
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are among the most prevalent occupational health issues, particularly affecting public transport drivers due to prolonged sitting, constrained postures, and poorly adaptable cabins. This study addresses the ergonomic risks associated with tram driving,...
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MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Applied Sciences |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/15/8348 |
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| author | Jasna Leder Horina Jasna Blašković Zavada Marko Slavulj Damir Budimir |
| author_facet | Jasna Leder Horina Jasna Blašković Zavada Marko Slavulj Damir Budimir |
| author_sort | Jasna Leder Horina |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are among the most prevalent occupational health issues, particularly affecting public transport drivers due to prolonged sitting, constrained postures, and poorly adaptable cabins. This study addresses the ergonomic risks associated with tram driving, aiming to evaluate biomechanical load and postural stress in relation to drivers’ anthropometric characteristics. A combined methodological approach was applied, integrating two standardized observational tools—RULA and REBA—with anthropometric modeling based on three representatives European morphotypes (SmallW, MidM, and TallM). ErgoFellow 3.0 software was used for digital posture evaluation, and lumbar moments at the L4/L5 vertebral level were calculated to estimate lumbar loading. The analysis was simulation-based, using digital human models, and no real subjects were involved. The results revealed uniform REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) and RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) scores of 6 across all morphotypes, indicating moderate to high risk and a need for ergonomic intervention. Lumbar moments ranged from 51.35 Nm (SmallW) to 101.67 Nm (TallM), with the tallest model slightly exceeding the recommended ergonomic thresholds. These findings highlight a systemic mismatch between cabin design and user variability. In conclusion, ergonomic improvements such as adjustable seating, better control layout, and driver education are essential to reduce the risk of WMSDs. The study proposes a replicable methodology combining anthropometric, observational, and biomechanical tools for evaluating and improving transport workstation design. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-63f8ace765554ff8a8e2c43b79f0e43f |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2076-3417 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Applied Sciences |
| spelling | doaj-art-63f8ace765554ff8a8e2c43b79f0e43f2025-08-20T03:36:38ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-07-011515834810.3390/app15158348Ergonomics Study of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Tram DriversJasna Leder Horina0Jasna Blašković Zavada1Marko Slavulj2Damir Budimir3Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences, University of Zagreb, HR-10000 Zagreb, CroatiaFaculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences, University of Zagreb, HR-10000 Zagreb, CroatiaFaculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences, University of Zagreb, HR-10000 Zagreb, CroatiaFaculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences, University of Zagreb, HR-10000 Zagreb, CroatiaWork-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are among the most prevalent occupational health issues, particularly affecting public transport drivers due to prolonged sitting, constrained postures, and poorly adaptable cabins. This study addresses the ergonomic risks associated with tram driving, aiming to evaluate biomechanical load and postural stress in relation to drivers’ anthropometric characteristics. A combined methodological approach was applied, integrating two standardized observational tools—RULA and REBA—with anthropometric modeling based on three representatives European morphotypes (SmallW, MidM, and TallM). ErgoFellow 3.0 software was used for digital posture evaluation, and lumbar moments at the L4/L5 vertebral level were calculated to estimate lumbar loading. The analysis was simulation-based, using digital human models, and no real subjects were involved. The results revealed uniform REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) and RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) scores of 6 across all morphotypes, indicating moderate to high risk and a need for ergonomic intervention. Lumbar moments ranged from 51.35 Nm (SmallW) to 101.67 Nm (TallM), with the tallest model slightly exceeding the recommended ergonomic thresholds. These findings highlight a systemic mismatch between cabin design and user variability. In conclusion, ergonomic improvements such as adjustable seating, better control layout, and driver education are essential to reduce the risk of WMSDs. The study proposes a replicable methodology combining anthropometric, observational, and biomechanical tools for evaluating and improving transport workstation design.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/15/8348ergonomicstram driversanthropometryRULA and REBA analysisL4/L5 lumbar moment |
| spellingShingle | Jasna Leder Horina Jasna Blašković Zavada Marko Slavulj Damir Budimir Ergonomics Study of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Tram Drivers Applied Sciences ergonomics tram drivers anthropometry RULA and REBA analysis L4/L5 lumbar moment |
| title | Ergonomics Study of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Tram Drivers |
| title_full | Ergonomics Study of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Tram Drivers |
| title_fullStr | Ergonomics Study of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Tram Drivers |
| title_full_unstemmed | Ergonomics Study of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Tram Drivers |
| title_short | Ergonomics Study of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Tram Drivers |
| title_sort | ergonomics study of musculoskeletal disorders among tram drivers |
| topic | ergonomics tram drivers anthropometry RULA and REBA analysis L4/L5 lumbar moment |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/15/8348 |
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