Ergonomic Work Environment Risks for Diesel Locomotive Drivers in Latvia and Health Promotion Measures

Abstract: In Latvia, the rail transport sector plays an important role in the national economy. Rail transport sector work is provided by different people who work in different professions, including diesel locomotive drivers. The aim of this research was to study and analyze ergonomic risks for drivers of diesel locomotives and develop health promotion measures. Such methods were selected for the research: questionnaire of the workers (Total 116 employees), key indicator method for analysis of manual handling operations, Quick Exposure Check and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment for assessing the load on different body parts. The ergonomic evaluation has determined that the diesel locomotive drivers are subjected to a risk level III concerning strain on their wrists and hands, while their shoulders and arms are at a risk level II. According to the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment, the final evaluation of the strain on the workers’ hands is categorized as high. The study concludes that diesel locomotive operators face substantial ergonomic risks in their work environment. The ergonomic risk assessment methodologies utilized in the study indicate that these operators are subjected to considerable strain, particularly on their wrists, neck, and shoulders, which is overall classified as risk level III. Hence the use of a combination of several ergonomic risk assessment methods is essential to come up with more precise results.

Keywords: Diesel Locomotive, Driver, Health, Ergonomics, Risks

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1005183

Cite this paper:

​