What risk did you identify?

Through a risk assessment and a collaborative working group, we identified musculoskeletal disorder risks in the drivers’ cab. We found that the way in which drivers interact with intertwining cab components may lead to MSD health issues.

The working group comprised engineering, train services, and ergonomics specialists.

Why did you investigate in-cab MSD risk?

In February 2021, an independent ‘triangulated report’ carried out on behalf of Southeastern identified factors in the cab environment that could cause MSDs. The factors were identified using RSSB’s MSD Assessment Tool and driver surveys. They included:

  • incorrect setup of the driver seat
  • incorrect setup of the driver safety device (DSD) pedal for individual drivers
  • cleanliness of windows and platform monitors.

We invited the report author to the Fleet User Group (FUG), where drivers, train crew, and engineering teams discuss fleet performance, improvements, modifications, risks, and ongoing issues.

One of the group’s focus areas is ‘changing the ergonomics language’. This is the overarching approach FUG has taken to cab ergonomics, considering the cab and user together as a system.

The group had previously highlighted problems with the cab environment and the risk of drivers suffering from MSD-related issues. These concerns coincided with some of the findings detailed in the report.

How did you plan an intervention?

FUG divided the identified risks into two key areas: people and equipment. It agreed to prioritise work on these areas, setting up the Cab Ergonomics Focus Group (CEFG) to work on them exclusively.

The CEFG comprised around 20 colleagues from the business, a mix of drivers, engineers, and managers.

Report findings underpinned the group’s discussions. Solutions were prioritised based on report recommendations.

Further risk areas and solutions were identified during the discussions.

The group continues to meet, and discussions on the medium- to long-term solutions for the newly identified risk areas are ongoing.

How did you reduce the risks?

Focusing on two categories—people and equipment—we took several actions to reduce the risks.

People:

  • Driver education: Training videos about MSD injuries and their prevention were improved.
  • Driver training and competency: A new video on the correct seat setup is being created with the support of a physiotherapist. The video will be integrated into the driver competency framework.
  • Driver manager education: Driver managers and driver instructors will be given further education to improve MSD conversations.
  • Driver aids: A user trial was completed to identify the best lumbar support equipment. The selected aid will be made available to all staff.
  • Physiotherapy support: The process of referring drivers to physiotherapists was reviewed. The current process of referrals to a physiotherapist now includes the wider use of lumber supports, along with cab assessments. As part of the driver education, the use of mobile seat rigs at depot roadshows is being considered.

Equipment:

  • Modification to existing rolling stock: The feasibility of driver-controlled operation fitment to existing stock was assessed to remove the need for platform monitors. The feasibility of seat modifications to improve the longevity of seating and reduce injuries was also assessed.
  • DSD pedal: A testing specification will be created for maintenance staff to check against the actual position of the DSD pedal in individual cabs.
  • Maintenance documentation: Driver’s seat maintenance procedures and overhaul requirements were updated to include comfort checks and ergonomics issues. This widened the documentation’s focus beyond a narrow focus on ‘fit, form, and function’.
  • Cab windows: Maintenance was improved to reduce injury during operation, specifically cleanliness of windows for dispatch.

How will you measure the efficacy of its risk-reduction measures?

We will collect and monitor data on:

  • reports of defective equipment
  • driver competence assessments
  • driver referrals to physiotherapist supplier
  • driver sickness due to MSD injuries
  • staff satisfaction surveys.

What has the impact been so far?

Drivers

The findings have improved driver knowledge and skills, enabling them to manage their own MSD risks better.

Engineers

Our engineering department is better equipped to provide drivers with a risk-free in-cab environment.

Suppliers

The findings are informing the design of new rolling stock. They are also being used to educate train stock suppliers about the factors that need to be considered and assessed when designing train cabs.

Support

FUG members, independent experts, the Office of Rail and Road, unions, and management have been supportive of this work.