Ergonomics Review : Identify Discomfort Seating Posture Among Elderly Taxi Drivers at Malaysia Perspective

Authors

  • Ahmad Zuhairi Abdul Majid Universiti Sains Malaysia
  • Irwan Syah Md Yusoff Universiti Sains Malaysia
  • Shamsul Bahri Mohd Tamrin Universiti Putra Malaysia

Abstract

World Health Organization (WHO) describes people aged above 60 years old fall under a category of elderly. The alternative profession could involve with this community is to be taxi drivers. Therefore, numerous factors should take part to ensure the elderly taxi drivers could serve their best performance and in good health condition. This study aimed to determined discomfort seating posture among elderly taxi drivers through ergonomic approach in Malaysian perspective. A cross-sectional study was conducted with elderly taxi drivers using a self-administered questionnaire. It included questions on socio-demographic data, work characteristics and discomfort older taxi drivers seating posture relative to body parts. Purposive method sampling used base on inclusive criteria; age 60 years old and above, self -driving taxi more than 1 year, no disabilities and registered with Land Public Transport Commission (LPTC). Total of 120 respondents participated in the study. Most of elderly taxi drivers used hired car type of taxi and work as a permanent job. The highest feeling discomfort on seating body posture among elderly taxi drivers are at the right hips and left buttock. At the left hips and lower back showed the highest discomfort on seating posture compare to other body parts. Inappropriate seating posture among elderly taxi drivers may cause to discomfort and developing to MSD’s. The low awareness on ergonomics education could reflect quality lifestyle and health among elderly taxi drivers inMalaysia.

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Published

2018-03-07