SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MUSCULOSKELETAL SYMPTOMS IN TRUCK DRIVERS EXPOSED TO WHOLE-BODY VIBRATION: A STUDY AT PORT KLANG, SELANGOR

Prime mover truck operations are associated with a significant risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among drivers due to prolonged exposure to whole-body vibration (WBV). This study aimed to explore the potential link between WBV and the prevalence of MSDs in truck drivers at a major port in Port Klang, Selangor. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted involving 205 prime mover drivers, utilizing data from the Extended Standardized Nordic Questionnaire (NMQ-E) to assess sociodemographic factors and the prevalence of MSDs. Additionally, WBV exposure was measured in a subset of 32 drivers using the Larson Davis HVM100 device. The findings indicated that WBV exposure levels were within the limits set by the European Directive 2002/44/EC, with a maximum of 1.15 m/s² over an 8-hour work period. Despite this, 25.93% of drivers reported lower back pain, 19.88% reported upper back pain, and 16.61% reported neck pain. Statistical analysis revealed significant correlations between work experience and back pain (p=0.038), work experience and hip pain (p=0.033), and body mass index (BMI) and shoulder pain (p=0.027). The study suggests that drivers should be encouraged to take regular breaks to mitigate vibration exposure and that maintaining a healthy weight could reduce the strain on musculoskeletal systems.