ERGONOMIC HAZARDS AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH RISKS AMONG APP-BASED TAXI DRIVERS IN PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA

Abstract

App-based ride-hailing drivers are exposed to prolonged working hours, suboptimal vehicle ergonomics, and algorithm-driven performance pressures, potentially elevating the risk of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs), chronic fatigue, and road traffic incidents. The aim of this study is to assess the occupational health (ergonomic) disaster risk in App - Based Taxi operations in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. This study examined the prevalence, predictors, and safety implications of WMSDs and fatigue among ride-hailing drivers in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 400 active app-based ride-hailing drivers using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data included socio-demographic and occupational characteristics, WMSD symptoms (Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire), fatigue levels (Fatigue Assessment Scale), ergonomic exposures, and self-reported road traffic accidents and near-misses. Associations were assessed using logistic regression and correlation analyses. Participants were predominantly male (98.5%) with a mean age of 35 (35.2 ±8.4) years. Drivers reported an average of 11.6 ± 2.9 hours of work per day, with 68.0% exceeding 60 hours per week. The 12-month prevalence of WMSDs was 82.5%, with the lower back (68.3%), neck (48.5%), and shoulders (45.8%) most affected. Significant fatigue (FAS score ≥28) was reported by 67.5% of drivers (mean FAS score 32.4 ± 7.8) and showed a strong positive correlation with WMSDs (r = 0.62, p < 0.001). Independent predictors of WMSDs included working >60 hours/week (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.8–5.6), high fatigue scores (OR 4.1, 95% CI 2.4–7.0), poor vehicle ergonomics (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.6–4.9), and age >40 years (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1–3.3). Safety outcomes were concerning, with 28.5% reporting at least one accident in the past 12 months and 52.0% experiencing near-misses attributed to fatigue or pain. Ride-hailing drivers in Port Harcourt experience alarmingly high burdens of WMSDs and fatigue, which are strongly associated with extended work hours, ergonomic deficiencies, and increased risk of fatigue-related road traffic incidents. Recommendations include urgent implementation of targeted ergonomic improvements, mandatory rest regulations, fatigue management protocols, and strengthened regulatory oversight is essential to safeguard driver health and enhance public road safety within Nigeria’s rapidly expanding informal transport sector.