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There are a vast number of people who rely on public transport. Industrial action is never a pleasant undertaking and when it involves public transport more than just the employer and employees are affected. Even as Xmas 2010 approaches bus drivers on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, Australia are standing up for their rights to fair conditions. Stress and fatigue are closely related and when strike action is involved, stress levels increase dramatically. It then becomes more than just an industrial issue. It becomes a safety issue. Fatigue is difficult to observe but the early warning signs are recognizable. Yawning, tired eyes, restlessness and drowsiness seem the most obvious. The causes of fatigue include inadequate rest, extended periods of concentration, boredom and STRESS. The sometimes disastrous effects include failure to stay within lanes, fluctuations of speed, impaired reaction times and falling asleep at the wheel. The common misconception is that the bus driver's only responsibility is to transport commuters from point A to point B. Metaphorically speaking, the fine print in this contract includes the handling of money, ticketing and dealing with the general public. Each of these areas then have their own sub-clauses. All of this interaction is mentally and physically draining. Other factors causing fatigue to bus drivers are: * The exposure to heat and glare caused by the design of windshields in the buses * Inadequate air conditioning and temperature control within the drivers cabin and in the passenger area of the bus. The exposure to heat and the inevitable complaints from the passengers also have a negative impact on the performance of the driver. * Driver seats are often ergonomically inadequate causing back and neck pain. The steering wheels on the buses being manufactured more economically are sometimes too large for the less physical drivers. These have caused shoulder problems which result in chronic pain and inadequate control over the heavy vehicle. Continuous exposure to pain result in higher levels of physical fatigue over time. Some of the above issues could be resolved with adequate support from management. Positive relationships with management result in better job satisfaction and safer working environment. There are instances of unrealistic tight route schedules where drivers attempt to adhere to timetables with little allowance for delays caused by variations to traffic conditions. There are cases of pay cuts rather than pay rises and an erosion of their conditions relating to toilet and shower facilities and lunch rooms. Driver fatigue is a real issue and authorities estimate that driver fatigue accounts for almost twenty percent of the national road toll in Australia. Metropolitan bus driving is one of the more stressful occupations and surprisingly one of the lowest paid. Driving a vehicle of that size is in itself a big enough challenge. When the drivers then have to contend with management for basic levels of pay and conditions, stress levels understandably rise. The combination is potentially disastrous. You are welcome to visit other pages of interest at Church Buildings For Sale, Commercial Buildings For Sale and Abandoned Buildings For Sale.
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bus drivers, fatigue, stress, fatigue management, scheduling, bus driver industrial action, commute times,
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