Evaluation of drivers carrying loads during the relocation of Artvin Yusufeli district in terms of musculoskeletal disorders

This study investigated musculoskeletal disorders in occupational environments in drivers transporting loads from the old settlement to the new settlement in the Yusufeli district of Artvin province. The data were obtained through the Socio-demographic Characteristics Form and "Cornel Musculoskeletal System Questionnaire (CMDQ)" prepared as a result of the literature review. The study population consisted of 50 freight drivers in the Yusufeli district of Artvin province. IBM SPSS Statistics program was used for data analysis. In addition, the reliability of the CMDQ scale was evaluated by descriptive statistical analysis and inter-factor correlation analysis for the whole scale and its dimensions. Socio-demographic characteristics were determined by descriptive statistical analysis. Kruskall-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were applied to socio-demographic questions for the study. The results obtained were used to determine the potential risks in terms of occupational health and safety and to evaluate the drivers' working conditions. In the study, drivers' pain, violence, and work barriers were analyzed according to CMDQ sub-dimensions. Lighting, noise, and vibration were evaluated as physical risk factors. Ergonomic risk factors included prolonged sitting and shift work. Environmental risk factors were determined as air temperature and light/illumination. These factors were found to have statistically significant effects on the potential risk factors to which drivers were exposed in their occupational environment. Conclusions were reached for the evaluation of working conditions. These results provide essential information for developing occupational health and safety measures and improving drivers' health and well-being.