302841
Occupational Injury among Urban Transit Bus Drivers: Unintentional Injury Incidence and Risk Factors
Numerous studies have focused on bus drivers’ occupational diseases; however, limited data consider the realm of bus operators’ work-related injuries and associated risk factors. Thus, this study addresses unintentional injury among bus operators in Minnesota and exposures that increase their risk.
Methods
Demographic, work-related, and injury information was obtained from a transit company for a five-year period (Dec 1, 2006 to Dec 31, 2011). Estimates of rates, per 100 Full Time Equivalents (FTEs) and adjusted Hazard Ratios (HRs), with associated 95% Confidence Intervals (C.I.), were generated, using Generalized Estimated Equations and Cox Proportional Hazards models, respectively.
Results
A total of 2,095 bus operators were included in this study. The overall unintentional injury rate with 95% C.I. was 17.8 [16.1, 19.7] per 100 FTEs. Multivariable analysis identified increased risks for operators who were: female, compared to male (HR=2.4 [2.0, 2.8]); worked less than seven, compared to seven to less than 12 hours per day (HR=4.6 [3.8, 5.5]); and drove less than seven compared to seven to less than 12 hours per day (HR=3.2 [2.7, 3.8]). Operators who worked split, versus straight shifts, demonstrated a suggestive increased risk (HR=1.2 [1.0, 1.4]). Bus operators also tended to have an increased risk when driving limited versus regular bus routes (HR=1.36 [1.0, 1.8]).
Conclusions
Results of this study serve as a basis for further studies and can inform the development of targeted intervention strategies to reduce occupational injuries relevant to bus operators.
Learning Areas:
EpidemiologyOccupational health and safety
Learning Objectives:
Identify the burden of injuries among urban bus operators
Describe the potential risk factors for bus operator injuries
Determine the association between exposures of interest and injury
Keyword(s): Occupational Health and Safety, Epidemiology
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been involved in several research efforts and studies in the field of occupational safety, focusing on work-related injury and work-related violence. My research interest has been the determination of associations between occupational exposures and injuries.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.