School Bus Drivers at risk
Bus drivers have a higher risk of
work-related illnesses and injury than many other occupational groups:
- Musculoskeletal problems
These problems relate to the neck,
shoulder and back area, and include lumbar disc
problems. There are also reports
of hand/wrist injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Cardiovascular disease
A number of studies confirm that
bus drivers suffer as much as twice the rate of coronary
heart disease and hypertension as
other occupational groups. In a study from Norway, bus
drivers had the highest rate of death
from coronary heart disease of 41 occupational groups.
- Gastrointestinal disorders
Bus drivers experience stomach problems
at a higher rate than others. One Italian study
found a fivefold higher incidence
of digestive problems.
- Lung cancer
Bus drivers and other workers exposed
to motor exhaust fumes have a 50 percent greater
risk of contracting lung cancer than
the general population.
- Work absences due to illness
Bus drivers consistently have more
frequent and longer absences because of illness than
workers in other occupations, including
other transportation employees.