21.06.2023 - Article

This study focuses on the health of bus drivers, their working conditions and how these have changed between 2010 and 2022.

In 2019, in a study on lung cancer by occupation in Switzerland, researchers at Unisanté found that bus drivers die from this cancer more often than other professionals. Another study also showed higher rates of suicide among public transport workers. However, the researchers did not know why, as there was no information available on the working conditions of bus drivers. The few studies carried out in Switzerland on bus drivers have provided little or no description of the working conditions and occupational risks in this profession, which are nevertheless a key factor in understanding the link to their health.

Firstly, it is important to note that in Switzerland, there are few scientific studies specific to occupational groups. Most research of this type focuses on the general population. Research into workers’ health is difficult to fund and carry out; companies are generally reluctant to participate in such research. This explains why existing studies are mainly carried out by trade unions.

The main aim was to assess the health status of bus drivers by analysing responses to an anonymous online questionnaire, whilst gathering further information on their working conditions. We also wanted to analyse changes in health issues and working conditions among these professionals between 2010 and 2022.

This study was carried out in collaboration with the trade unions, which distributed the online questionnaire to their members to cover the whole of Switzerland. The SEV had already conducted this survey in 2010 and 2018. We revisited it, adding a few questions about Covid-19 to gather more information, as in 2022 we were just emerging from the crisis.

The findings show that many bus drivers in Switzerland are affected by health issues. They mainly suffer from musculoskeletal disorders, which are the number one health issue in this profession. Indeed, 77% of study participants reported having at least one such disorder, the most common being shoulder or neck pain, as well as back pain. Another health issue reported by more than half of the participants is abnormal fatigue. Regarding trends in health issues, the study shows that shoulder or neck pain has increased since 2010, as have sleep disorders, accidents and sick leave. Finally, regarding working conditions, the majority of those surveyed believe they have deteriorated. The most difficult aspects, in their view, are working days of more than 10 hours, the behaviour of cyclists on the road and a lack of access to toilets.

We note that for many bus drivers, their state of health is unsatisfactory, but we lack information to understand the exact causes. The deterioration in working conditions, which is occurring in parallel with the rise in the proportion of workers experiencing health problems, suggests a possible link between the two. However, with this type of study—that is, a snapshot of a limited group of unionised bus drivers—it is not possible to confirm this link with certainty.

One strength of this study is that it was conducted on three occasions: in 2010, 2018 and 2022. This provides three points of comparison to properly assess changes in drivers’ health and their working conditions. However, one of the limitations of this study is that it is based on a fairly simple questionnaire, relying on subjective responses regarding working conditions and health status. It is therefore not possible to establish a clear causal link between the two on the basis of this study.

This study provided an insight into the health status of bus drivers in Switzerland. Thanks to these findings, some public transport companies have been able to take measures to improve the situation. This study was an important step towards a better understanding and recognition of the occupational and health-related difficulties that bus drivers may face.

We have identified the problem scientifically and publicised it in specialist articles. Now, we need to resolve this issue by breaking it down into its components to understand the ins and outs of this situation. To do this, it is necessary to deepen this research using a more rigorous methodology. A cohort study – that is, a long-term follow-up of a group of bus drivers over several years – would enable us to objectively determine how working conditions and changes in these conditions impact health and well-being at work. Cohort studies are complex due to their very strict and regulated protocols; they are expensive and difficult to conduct. However, it is precisely this that helps to avoid the biases and limitations inherent in simple anonymous surveys. In the field of health and prevention, prospective cohort studies are the required standard.