The prevalence of fatigue and associated health and safety risk factors among taxi drivers in Singapore

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONDriver fatigue is one of the biggest health and safety concerns within the road transport sector. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of fatigue among taxi drivers in Singapore, to better understand the general working and health conditions of this group of people, and to determine the risk factors associated with fatigued driving. METHODSA total of 340 taxi drivers were randomly selected for participation in a self-administered questionnaire survey, which included height and weight measurements. The response rate was 68.2%. The survey consisted of four main categories: personal particulars; social habits; work patterns; and sleep profile. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale was used to estimate the level of daytime sleepiness and fatigue. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the adjusted odd ratios and 95% confidence intervals associated with risk factors related to fatigue among taxi drivers.RESULTS A high proportion of taxi drivers were obese and had self-reported hypertension, diabetes mellitus and high cholesterol. Driver fatigue was associated with very poor/poor self-rating of quality of sleep, having an additional parttime job, drinking three or more caffeinated drinks daily, and driving more than 10 hours a day. CONCLUSIONWe hope that the findings of the present study will improve awareness of the work and health conditions of taxi drivers, and contribute toward efforts to achieve a healthier workforce. A lower prevalence of fatigued driving may lead to lower risks of road traffic accidents, decreased economic loss, increased productivity, and safer roads for all.

Trabajo y Salud en Conductores de Taxis

“…Entre los problemas típicos de la ocupación se encuentran el sobrepeso y la obesidad. 1,11 Estos trastornos se derivan de la mala alimentación y el sedentarismo que se asocian, a su vez, a la escasa cantidad de tiempo libre y de descanso. 12 El exceso de peso es un factor de riesgo para desarrollar diabetes tipo 2 y problemas cardiovasculares.…”

“…11 La falta de descanso, junto con jornadas laborales extensas, se asocia con síntomas de fatiga, un factor de riesgo para la siniestralidad vial. 11,15,16 El limitado y difícil acceso a sanitarios influye en el desarrollo de distintas patologías genitourinarias. 17 Otro problema físico, típico de la profesión, son los dolores músculo-esqueléticos.…”

“…Todos estos problemas son prevalentes en la industria del taxi a nivel global. 11,12 Entre los conductores que participaron de este estudio el sedentarismo está muy extendido, aunque los conductores consideraban la falta de actividad física como algo preocupante. Esto contradicción aparente puede explicarse por la falta de tiempo disponible que resulta de la extensión de la jornada laboral.…”

Longtime driving induced cerebral hemodynamic elevation and behavior degradation as assessed by functional near‐infrared spectroscopy and a voluntary attention test

“…Drowsiness can inflict the low perception level, distraction and unawareness of potential risk, and extend driver's response time in an emergency . The prevention of drowsy driving mainly relies on the inculcation of safety propaganda, self‐awareness and the road inspection of law enforcement.…”

Relationship between Fatigue and Work Performance of XYZ Employees in 2017

“…Fatigue also can lead to a loss of alertness and concentration, causing a reduced awareness of surroundings that can lead to traffic accidents [1]. Lim and Chia said fatigue can decrease a person's alertness and compromise motor skills, reflexes, judgment, and decision-making abilities [1].…”