Ergonomic Investigation of Occupational Drivers and Seat Design of Taxicabs in Nigeria

Repetitive trauma disorder and other work related musculoskeletal problems are prevalent among occupational drivers worldwide. This justifies the continue research and development efforts in the area of design of comfortable, safe and effective seat system by the automotive industry. The misfit seat variables are traceable to the difference between the adopted anthropometric measurement and that of the user population in the affected countries where the vehicle are exported. The objective of this paper is to investigate the ergonomic suitability of imported technological system specifically taxicab driver seat in Nigeria. Particular focus was placed to identify seat features that contribute to discomfort and work related MSDs of the operator. The application of participatory ergonomic intervention (PEI) approach is explored to achieve the objectives of this paper