Ergonomic Study in IndianMini Trucks Cabin

Abstract

Mini trucks are known for cargo transportation in intra-city and narrow village roads. It’s holding 61% (April 2012 -2013) of sales share in Indian truck market. Mini truck driving is profession for many drivers and they drive the vehicle minimum 5hrs per day. While riding, driver facing various discomforts like prolonged sitting postures, significant stress to neck, upper, lower back and uncomfortable environment. These discomfort factors lead to work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD). Research is concerned on safety, comfort and productivity. Driver fatigue and discomfort lead to many accidents. Inadequate mini truck cabin environment invites WRMSD and it will cause less productivity. All these issues influence this research to find a human factor engineering design intervention. Objective is to find an optimum driver comfort and reduce health hazards. The study conducted on Tata Ace, Mahindra Maxximo and Ashok Leyland Dost. Task analysis carried out with set of different dimension people in various brand mini trucks. Techniques used are literature survey, user study, interviews, ethnography, RULA, REBA, and benchmarking. New ergonomically designed layout enhances the driver comfort, safety and ease of use. It will bring better driver healthiness, safety, performance & productivity.