Cab design
Occupational
drivers
have
also
been
shown
to
increase
risk
for
developing
musculoskeletal
disorders,
particularly,
for
low
back
pain
(LBP).
Research
has
shown
that
prolonged
driving
leads
to
higher
cumulative
spine
loading
and
higher
LBP
occurrence.
The
design
of
the
vehicle
is
important
to
reduce
risk
of
injury.
Vehicles
with
adjustable
driving
packages
(seats,
pedals,
tilt
and
telescoping
steering
wheels)
have
been
reported
to
result
in
fewer
musculoskeletal
problems.
Consider
the
following
cab
interior
items
when
purchasing
or
designing
trucks:
- Steering wheel tilt and telescoping adjustments so it’s at a comfortable height and reach.
- Ensure seats have adjustment for seat cushion vertical adjustment range, lumbar support, seat cushion front and back will tilt, back recline, armrest height and angle. Suspension in seats to minimize effects of vibration.
- Seatbelt shoulder strap height adjustable to enhance comfort for small and larger drivers.
- Pedal adjustability.
- Ensure the pedals and the steering wheel are aligned with centerline of the seat.
- Accessibility of cup holders, gear shifter, air horn, and main controls so drivers do not have extended reach.
- Angle dashboards so controls closer to driver.
- Visibility of main displays on dashboard.
- Easy adjustment of mirrors to ensure visibility.
Cab egress and ingress
Truck
drivers
are
at
increased
risk
of
slip-and-fall
injuries
when
entering
and
exiting
tractor
cabs.
The
prevalence
of
injuries
due
to
slips
and
falls
during
ingress
and
egress
in
the
transportation
sector
are
significant.
These
risks
are
exacerbated
when
environmental
conditions
are
poor,
including
rain,
snow,
and
uneven
ground.
Good
design
of
ingress/egress
system,
including
the
design
of
the
steps
and
handholds,
can
help
prevent
these
injuries.
Consider
the
following
when
purchasing
or
designing
trucks:
- Design tractors with long grab handles located on both side of the doors and inside the cab.
- Design tractors with smaller distance between steps and adequate grating on step, especially the front edge of step to reduce risk of slipping.
- Design tractors with a pass-through compartment for drivers to load belongings into so they can have their hands free in order to use 3-point contact. Design tractor with cup holders and pockets on inside lower portion of door to free up hands.
Circle checks and maintenance
Drivers
are
required
to
perform
regular
circle
checks
and
maintenance
on
their
trucks.
There
are
risks
of
slip-and-fall
injuries
as
well
as
overexertion
injuries
from
some
of
these
tasks.
Consider
the
following
when
purchasing
or
designing
trucks:
- Accessibility of oil dip stick and fluid check point in engine compartment so drivers do not have to climb on wheel to access them.
- Hood design so it's easy to open.
- Steps and grab handles to improve accessibility to clean windshield.