Effect of Job Characteristics, Environment, and Musculoskeletal Pain on Fatigue Severity in Courier Delivery Workers

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate fatigue severity and analyze contributing factors, including demographic characteristics, job conditions, environmental factors, and musculoskeletal pain among courier delivery workers.<br/>Background: Rapid growth in e-commerce has increased workload and fatigue among courier delivery workers, heightening musculoskeletal risks. Comprehensive studies incorporating various factors influencing fatigue are lacking.<br/>Method: A questionnaire survey was conducted with 20 courier workers in Seoul, collecting demographic data, job and environmental characteristics, musculoskeletal pain, and fatigue severity. Statistical analyses, including independent sample t-test, analysis of variance, correlation and stepwise multiple linear regression, were performed.<br/>Results: Lower back and wrist/hand were the highest reported musculoskeletal pain. Fatigue severity was positively correlated with daily handled package count and daily temperature range. Lower extremity pain (ankle/foot, knee, hip/thigh) significantly affected fatigue severity. The regression model identified shoulder, hip/thigh, and ankle/foot pain as significant predictors, explaining 47.2% of fatigue variance.<br/>Conclusion: Fatigue severity in delivery workers is significantly influenced by workload, temperature fluctuations, and lower extremity musculoskeletal pain. It is important to consider ergonomic interventions to reduce workload, particularly those that reduce lower extremity strain.<br/>Application: The findings offer practical guidelines for managing workload and ergonomic improvements to reduce fatigue among courier workers.