Developing Occupational Health and Safety of Taxi Drivers in Helsinki
Yousaf, Taimoor (2020)
Yousaf, Taimoor
2020
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https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2020092120605
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2020092120605
Tiivistelmä
Occupational health and safety of taxi drivers has always been a major concern for taxi companies. Similarly, drivers of a taxi company based in Helsinki also faced physical health issues like neck, shoulders, and back pain. Secondly, lack of motivation to work. Thus, the aim of the research was to gain insights from the taxi drivers about their health and safety problems. Especially, what are the effects of amendments of the law governing the operations of taxis in Finland since 1st of July 2018, on the health and safety of taxi drivers. The objective of the research was also to detail the duties and responsibilities of taxi drivers in Helsinki region to ensure their own health and their surroundings. The results of the research will be implemented in the case company to eliminate or reduce the risks. Also, it will be a guidebook for other taxi drivers to ensure their health, well-being, and safety at work.
The research consists of five qualitative interviews, a quantitative questionnaire survey of fifty taxi drivers and two expert opinions. A questionnaire survey was carried out among taxi drivers in Helsinki to identify work related accidents that are likely to increase the risk of neck, shoulder, and back pain. The expert opinion was taken to find the possible solution of this research problem. It was analysed that excessive workload, driving hours beyond limits and unhealthy eating habits with little exercises were the main reasons. It was noticed that new self-employed taxi drivers with no occupational health care doctor are at higher risks. Secondly, lack of motivation to work, anxiety and depression were directly related to the deregulation of taxi sector reforms and introduction of competitive market to heavily regulated industry. The research revealed that taxi drivers have an elevated risk of neck, shoulder, and back pain because of improper sitting position and no movement during work.
It has been recommended to the case company to have occupational health care doctor because the cost of employee’s sick leave payment is more than the expenses of occupational health care doctor. Secondly, balanced diet, exercise, improving area knowledge and language skills is required. Besides the case company, the study has relevance to other taxi companies operating in Helsinki region. The study has also recommendations for legislative body. because deregulation of taxi reforms is one of the reasons behind lack of motivation to work, anxiety and depression of case company drivers and other taxi drivers in Helsinki region.
The research consists of five qualitative interviews, a quantitative questionnaire survey of fifty taxi drivers and two expert opinions. A questionnaire survey was carried out among taxi drivers in Helsinki to identify work related accidents that are likely to increase the risk of neck, shoulder, and back pain. The expert opinion was taken to find the possible solution of this research problem. It was analysed that excessive workload, driving hours beyond limits and unhealthy eating habits with little exercises were the main reasons. It was noticed that new self-employed taxi drivers with no occupational health care doctor are at higher risks. Secondly, lack of motivation to work, anxiety and depression were directly related to the deregulation of taxi sector reforms and introduction of competitive market to heavily regulated industry. The research revealed that taxi drivers have an elevated risk of neck, shoulder, and back pain because of improper sitting position and no movement during work.
It has been recommended to the case company to have occupational health care doctor because the cost of employee’s sick leave payment is more than the expenses of occupational health care doctor. Secondly, balanced diet, exercise, improving area knowledge and language skills is required. Besides the case company, the study has relevance to other taxi companies operating in Helsinki region. The study has also recommendations for legislative body. because deregulation of taxi reforms is one of the reasons behind lack of motivation to work, anxiety and depression of case company drivers and other taxi drivers in Helsinki region.