Human factors and maintenance in delivery transportation: drivers' work outside the cab in focus

Abstract

PurposeTo investigate safety at truck drivers' work outside the cab with a special focus on work environment and equipment maintenance to prevent occupational accidents.Design/methodology/approachTwo statistical databases on Finnish occupational accidents for truck drivers are analysed. Firstly, the national accident statistics database is examined to understand the broad context, and secondly a database on fatal accidents is analysed to better understand the root causes of the accidents and their relationship to human factors in maintenance. Based on the root cause analysis, four accident scenarios are created, and risk management measures are prioritized by occupational safety and health specialists (n = 7).FindingsThe study shows that there are a variety of accidents in truck drivers' work. Most of the accidents occur outside the cab while performing tasks other than driving. Further, in-depth analysis of the fatal accidents increases understanding of the possibilities of different risk management and maintenance actions in preventing such accidents.Research limitations/implicationsDatabases contain different limitations concerning the data.Practical implicationsTruck drivers' work environments are wide in nature. Efficient safety management requires broad participation from different stakeholders. In addition to safe work activities, work environment and equipment maintenance is highlighted as a key component for safe and fluent delivery transportation.Social implicationsRoad transportation forms a backbone of modern society. Accidents affect the efficiency of transportation and cause manifold costs reaching all the way to the societal level.Originality/valueThis study adds an important dimension of delivery transportation to a current scientific discussion on human factors and maintenance.