KIRIKKALE İLİNDE ÇALIŞAN MİNİBÜS ŞOFÖRLERİNİN İŞ SAĞLIĞI ve GÜVENLİĞİ KOŞULLARI ile İŞ-YAŞAM DENGESİ

Abstract

This descriptive study aimed to assess the working conditions and work-life balance of minibus drivers in Kırıkkale province concerning occupational health and safety. The research was conducted in-person within Kırıkkale province during May to July 2022. The study delved into the sociodemographic traits, health status, work experience, and occupational health and safety aspects of 280 out of 339 minibus drivers. Additionally, the outcomes of the work-life balance scale were analyzed. All participants were male, averaging 45.92 years old, with 40.9% having worked as minibus drivers for over two decades. A notable 34.3% reported lacking social security coverage, and 38.9% claimed their general health declined since becoming minibus drivers. 54.3% of them work more than 14 hours a day, 65.0% of them work at night. 46.6% stated that they were exposed to violence while working as a minibus driver. The regression analysis revealed that verbal violence was the most prevalent form of violence encountered. Moreover, for each increase in years of minibus driving, the likelihood of violence exposure rose by 1.031 times (CI:1.004-1.059). Working night shifts increased this risk 1.97 times (CI:1.144-3.422), while communication difficulties with passengers escalated the likelihood by 4.26 times (CI: 1.047-17.347). Minibus drivers experiencing insufficient family income, heavy workload, irregular meals, traffic congestion, noncompliance with traffic rules, noise, engine vibrations, exhaust fume exposure, prolonged sitting, driving fatigue, and exhaustion scored lower on the work-life balance scale. Also, those without social security, night-shift workers, individuals with sleep issues, and those unable to allocate time for personal matters exhibited lower work-life balance scores. In order to cultivate favorable working conditions for minibus drivers, it is imperative to meticulously identify issues and consider the drivers' requirements and preferences.