Research
Brief
Development of a tool to assess and manage
musculoskeletal disorder risk in train drivers
T940 - April 2012
Background
In 2011 the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC)
asked RSSB to undertake research into potential improvements
to the ways in which musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risk
associated with train driving can be assessed and managed. This
followed a small number of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) cases
in train drivers which involved pain and numbness in the wrist. It
had been suggested that the condition could be work-related,
resulting from repetitive work, awkward wrist postures and
operating train brake and power controls in cramped conditions.
An initial piece of work was undertaken to examine existing
information, tools and processes to determine whether they were
appropriate to assess and manage the risk of MSDs in train
drivers. It was concluded that there was no current process or
resource that could be applied by train operators to consider all of
the risk factors necessary to assess and manage MSD risk in train
drivers. RSSB was subsequently asked to produce a tool for train
operators to help them achieve this.
Aims
The aims of this project were to:
1 Review existing information, tools and processes to
determine whether they are appropriate to assess and
manage MSD risk in train drivers.
2 If appropriate, develop a tool for train operators to help them
assess and manage MSD risk in train drivers.
Findings
RSSB R&D Programme
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1 The initial literature review concluded that the risk of train
drivers suffering from a work-related MSD is small.
2 The review also identified that there was no single resource
in existence which takes into account all of the risk factors
necessary to assess and manage MSD risk in train drivers.
3 The importance of compliance with relevant legislation (the
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations
(1999) and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment
Regulations (1998)) was demonstrated in key court cases
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Development of a tool to assess and manage musculoskeletal disorder risk in train drivers
T940 - April 2012
where employers were found to fall short of the law in not
undertaking a suitable and sufficient risk assessment and
had judgements made against them.
4 The literature review recommended that a tool should be
developed to facilitate the assessment and management of
MSD risk for train driving.
Deliverables
The research project produced two deliverables:
1 A literature review.
2 A tool to assess and manage MSD risk in train drivers.
The tool was developed in Microsoft Excel and is available
under licensing arrangements via the Research and
Development section of the RSSB website (http://
www.rssb.co.uk). One copy of the tool is freely available to
each train operating company that is a member of RSSB.
Further copies of the tool are also available to -members for
a fee.
Method
Literature Review
The literature review sought information, from a variety of
document types (eg academic references, court transcripts,
ergonomic assessments of cabs, etc), in the following areas:
1 Evidence of specific MSDs that could be suffered by train
drivers
2 Evidence of associations between aspects of work and
MSD symptoms
3 Legislation relating to MSDs
4 Possible tools to assess the impact of identified risk factors
5 Controls available to manage the risk
Tool to assess and manage MSD risk
RSSB human factors specialists developed a guidance tool by
drawing together information from existing sources. The tool is
based on:
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HSE's Assessment of Repetitive Tasks (ART) tool
Peoplesize (2008) anthropometric data
Health and safety legislation and guidance
Musculoskeletal disorder management guidance
Data supplied from train operators relating to: repetition
involved in operating controls, forces involved in operating
controls and vibration exposure
6 Information from standards
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RSSB
7 Methodology for measuring anthropometric dimensions and
train cab dimensions
8 Bespoke training material developed for the tool
The tool was tested with target end users from two passenger
operators, one freight operator and one on-track machine
operator.
The anticipated end users for the tool include health and safety
professionals, train driver managers, occupational health
practitioners, fleet engineers and individuals with risk assessment
experience.
The tool was authorised for publication by the project steering
group and endorsed by the ATOC Safety Forum and the
Operations Focus Group, which has sponsored this research.
Next Steps
The tool was launched at two events in early 2012 (21 February
and 9 March), jointly sponsored by ATOC and RSSB. These
events introduced target users to the tool and provided a practical
and interactive session giving users hands on experience of
working with the tool.
Contact
For more information please contact:
Michael Woods
Head of Operations and Management Research
R&D Programme
RSSB
enquirydesk@rssb.co.uk
RSSB
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