I.

THE PROBLEM

1.1 Background of the Study

Ergonomics is a science related to the suitability of an office design to people. By

taking into account people’s capabilities and limitations, an ergonomically designed

workplace design strives to be effective in fulfilling the functional requirements of users.

A workplace with good consideration of ergonomics in the design which can prevent

musculoskeletal discomfort, improve productivity and work efficiency, reduce production

costs and optimize human well-being. The workplace design should aim to propagate

intuition, teamwork, and more importantly, provide a safe and comfortable environment.

From the end of the war between the Americans and the Japanese where hundreds

of military jeeps were left behind, Filipinos now make use of the famous jeepneys as part

of their everyday travel. These public utility jeepneys (PUJs) are not only one of the most

popular icons of Filipino creativity and innovativeness today, but also the most prominent

mode of public transportation in the Philippines various estimates say there are somewhere

between 180,000 and 270,000 franchised jeepneys on the road across the Philippines.

Jeepneys are branded the “king of the road” not only because of their box-framed

chassis and their overall aesthetic design, but more predominantly due to the infamous way

on how drivers jostle their way in and out of traffic, usually causing congestion and

sometimes even accidents. This is because jeepney drivers provide higher importance on

the need to increase abundance of profit per day than addressing issues on comfort and

safety.
 And later on, these jeepneys are adopted by large schools and universities as

shuttles to cater students to go to and fro in other campuses of the university. And Tarlac

State University (TSU) is one those universities to adopt shuttles as the primary means of

transportation from TSU Main Campus going to TSU Lucinda Campus and vice versa.

These vehicles are constructed by local jeepney manufacturers and are sold to operators as

brand-new units. However, it is noted that a large percentage of these utility vehicles that

traverse the roads, especially in the cities, are actually overhauled units that are only

assembled and fabricated from spare non-matching materials, excess parts, and surplus

accessories. These units are modified to fit body capacities, frequently conditional on the

specifications of the drivers (or operators) themselves. Most of the time, these

customizations are made to increase profitability of the business, leading to health and

ergonomic concerns to be neglected.

It is in this matter that designing the structure, in both exterior and interior

characteristics, of the jeepneys/shuttles becomes a strenuous job in the context of

considering the over-all safety and appropriateness of each relevant component that affects

the working environment of the drivers.

1.2 Objective

The average shuttle driver often spends at least 11 hours behind the wheel. This ergonomic

study will focus on improving the workplace layout of the shuttle driver and their driving

conditions. This study aims to present a case study on the Tarlac State University Shuttles.

Specifically, this study aims to:

  Determine the ergonomic risk level of shuttle drivers taking the route of TSU Main

Campus (Romulo Blvd. San Vicente, Tarlac City) going to TSU Lucinda Campus

(Lucinda Campus, Brgy. Binauganan, Tarlac City), and vice versa,

 Identify ergonomic hazards that are critical for the work execution of drivers and

the improvement of their driving conditions, and

 Develop an improved shuttle driver’s workplace layout to reduce level of

discomfort experienced by the TSU Shuttle drivers.

1.3 Conceptual Framework (Input-Process-Output)

Input Process Output

• All the measurements •Quantitative concerns
of vehicle components were used as basis for the • An
used while driving measurements included
in the data form; while
ergonomic
were identified,
namely: the qualitative concerns design
were used as basis for the
• Driver's Seat questions included in the workspace
• Driver's Entrance survey layout that
• Winshield
• Mirrors •Evaluate the overall reduces
• Steering Wheel
driving performance and discomfort
condition of the TSU
• Shift Stick Shuttle drivers. for the TSU
• Pedals Shuttle
•Develop a workspace
layout for TSU shuttle drivers
drivers that can minimize
ergonomic hazards
1.4 Significance of the Study

The workspace design of the driver was actually devised without considerations in

comfort, causing drivers to undergo various awkward working conditions. And despite the

low-priced acquisition cost and transport capacity of these vehicles, it is still important to

take into account the conditions of the driver while manoeuvring the vehicle, as this work

usually goes on for hours of static posture during different weather circumstances,

uncomfortable state of driving due to extensive vibrations from the vehicle’s engine, and

the shuttle’s utilization of an open-window ventilation instead of an air-conditioning

system.

Thus, it is only vital for this study to evaluate these conditions and, upon proper

implementation, help shuttle drivers perform their job with pertinent safety both on the

aspect of road security and their health. This study aims to give importance in the

consideration of the driving conditions of the shuttle driver.

1.5 Scope and Delimitation

Based on the objectives and the consideration of time and financial constraints, the

following limitations were established for this study:

 The study only considered the TSU shuttle drivers that took the route of TSU Main

Campus (Romulo Blvd. San Vicente, Tarlac City) going to TSU Lucinda Campus

(Lucinda Campus, Brgy. Binauganan, Tarlac City), and vice versa;

 The study did not take into account the mechanical performance of the shuttle, the

engine, transmission, and other machine mechanisms that require more than

ergonomic analysis;

 The assessed shuttles did not cover the entire shuttle driver’s workspace layout

present in the Philippines. It was only limited to the pool of chosen shuttles that

travel inside going to TSU Lucinda Campus from TSU Main Campus, and vice

versa;

 The measurements in the acquired anthropometric data is not applicable to

represent the entire shuttle driver’s population in the Philippines, but at least

accommodated the average TSU shuttle drivers; and

 The economic cost for the development of the new workplace layout design of the

shuttle was not considered.

 CHAPTER II

Design and Methodology

In this Chapter, methods used in research to obtain data needed in the study will be

discussed. The data obtained where collected and analysed. Important aspects that are

considered in this study is the research methodology, the population or the participants,

and the locale of the study or the respondent, the instrument used in gathering data, and

procedures followed in conducting the research are all discussed in this chapter.

2.1 Research Methodology

This study applied a qualitative research method because the gathering of data is

conducted through actual-site observation, casual interview with actual filming of the

respondents of the study. It includes recording, descriptions, analysis, and interpretation of

the actual nature, composition, or process of phenomena. Hence, this study used the

descriptive method to evaluate the data gathered. Upon identification of the problem, the

researchers have gathered sufficient references for the study – such as past research papers

related to the study and other basis for standards regarding the shuttle specifications,

existing anthropometric data applicable for the shuttle drivers in study, and other necessary

data. These data references were used as the criteria for the measurements taken during the

actual gathering of data. Also, these were used in the analysis of the study.
2.2 Population and Locale of the Study

Since the researchers have limited the study to shuttles (L300 van) that take the

route of TSU Main Campus (Romulo Blvd. San Vicente, Tarlac City) going to TSU

Lucinda Campus (Lucinda Campus, Brgy. Binauganan, Tarlac City), and vice versa, only

these shuttles were measured. Also, the drivers of the chosen shuttles were the only ones

interviewed. Convenience sampling was used for the study. Only twenty (20) shuttles and

drivers were involved. Majority of the shuttles at the terminal are L300 van, and they were

selected on the scheduled day for measurement and interview.

2.3 Data Gathering Tools and Procedure

In this study, instruments were used to gather data and information from the

respondent through observation and measuring. Observation and measuring were

conducted based from the components of the vehicle while driving. A measuring tape was

used to measure the vehicle’s components while driving.

Researchers
The drivers
have
of the Chosen
gathered Analyze the
chosen shuttles
sufficient data
shuttles were
references gathered.
were measured
for the
interviewed
study
2.4 Treatment of Data

The researchers computed the average measurements through the use of

average method. Quantitative Criteria per vehicle’s components were calculated.

∑ 𝑥𝑖
x̅=
𝑛

Where: Xi – time for the ith observation

x̅ – average

N – total number of observation

 CHAPTER III

Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of data

This chapter will deal with the presentation, analysis, and interpretation of data that

was gathered. The analysis and interpretation of findings based on the research objectives

are presented accordingly.

3.1 Degree of Exposure

The RULA Assessment Tool was used to evaluate the exposure of individual

drivers to ergonomic risk factors associated with upper extremity MSD. The RULA

ergonomic assessment tool considers biomechanical and postural load requirements of job

tasks/demands on the neck, trunk and upper extremities.

A single page worksheet is used to evaluate required body posture, force, and

repetition. Based on the evaluations, scores are entered for each body region in section A

for the arm and wrist, and section B for the neck and trunk. After the data for each region

is collected and scored, tables on the form are then used to compile the risk factor variables,

generating a single score that represents the level of MSD risk.

The RULA was designed for easy use without need for an advanced degree in

ergonomics or expensive equipment. Using the RULA worksheet, the researcher assigned

a score for each of the following body regions: upper arm, lower arm, wrist, neck, trunk,

and legs. After the data for each region is collected and scored, tables on the form are then
used to compile the risk factor variables, generating a single score that represents the level

of MSD risk as outlined below:

Table 1: Level of MSD Risk

The RULA worksheet is divided into two body segment sections on the labeled A

and B. Section A (left side) covers the arm and wrist. Section B (right side) covers the neck,

trunk and legs. This segmenting of the worksheet ensures that any awkward or constrained

postures of the neck, trunk or legs which might influence the postures of the arms and wrist

are included in the assessment.

Table 2: RULA Driver Assessment

A. Arm and Wrist Analysis

Upper Arm Score 4
Lower Arm Score 3
Wrist Score 2 In this table, the final RULA score of
Wrist Twist Score 1
Posture Score A 4
6 indicates medium risk and needs
Muscle Use Score 1
Force / Load Score 1
Wrist & Arm Score 6 further study, and for engineering

B. Neck, Trunk, and Leg Analysis and/or work method changes to

Neck Score 3
Trunk Score 2 reduce or eliminate MSD risk as
Leg Score 2
Posture B Score 4
Muscle Use Score 1 outlined in the chart.
Force / Load Score 0
Neck, Trunk, Leg Score 5

RULA SCORE 6
3.2 Ergonomic Risk Factors

Based from the oral survey conducted among the respondents, it was deduced that

a regular driver works at an average of 11 hours each day, 4 to 5 days within a week. There

is in fact an overwhelming similarity in the answers of the interviewed drivers. They are

all contented with the tolerable state of their workspace. The drivers are satisfied even if

they are restricted to a small leg room, they have to bend just to see the traffic light. Even

if the respondents claim that they are at ease in their present condition, they all confirm

that body ache and other discomfort are expected after each working day. These results

from the interviews verify that there are definitely ergonomic problems that exist. The

drivers just choose to ignore these problems simply because there will be monetary costs

in solving these problems and because they have grown accustomed to these conditions

Aside from the summary of the interviews, the researchers have gathered the measurements

necessary for this study. Table 3 shows the average values of the measurements (in

centimeters) obtained from the shuttles chosen for the study. These measurement results

were used in the succeeding analyses of this study.

 CHAPTER IV

4.1 Summary

The Philippine Jeepney is one of the most popular, the most accessible and cheapest

medium of public transportation in the country. Later on, these jeepneys are adopted by

large schools and universities as shuttles to cater students to go to and fro in other

campuses of the university. And Tarlac State University (TSU) is one those universities

to adopt shuttles as the primary means of transportation from TSU Main Campus going to

TSU Lucinda Campus and vice versa. During their driving period, an average of 11 hours

a day, the TSU shuttle drivers are exposed to sustained awkward postures. This research

aims to evaluate the drivers’ workspace and driving conditions in relation to their

anthropometric measurements and their workspace dimensions in order to determine the

sources of awkward postures and risk factors. .A comprehensive survey among TSU

shuttle drivers was conducted to identify the discomforts experienced by the drivers. In

addition, a workspace evaluation in comparison with the drivers’ anthropometric

measurement was also administered to seek out discrepancies that accounts for the

discomforts felt. The RULA Assessment Tool was also used to evaluate the exposure of

individual drivers to ergonomic risk factors associated with upper extremity MSD.

Results reveal that shuttle drivers’ working conditions pose danger to their health and

safety. Recommendations were made to improve the working conditions of the TSU

Shuttle drivers.
4.2 Conclusion

With these analyses, the researchers had found out that the current dimensions of the

shuttles are inadequate and not ergonomic enough to fit the built of a driver based from

the anthropometric measurements of average Filipino workers.

4.3 Recommendation

The researchers recommend the following modifications for the specified vehicle

components.

5.1. Driver’s seat

There were two-types of driver’s seat that the researchers encountered during data

gathering. First was the properly contoured driver’s seat of another vehicle mounted in the

Shuttle. Second was the plain “bench” type seat without any contouring. The drivers

naturally preferred to have the driver’s seat that came from the standard vehicle mainly

because of the comfort that the particular seat offered. However, the researchers observed

that the drivers still use an additional back rest even if the jeepney was installed with the

preferred seat. The drivers with the preferred seats still changed their position during

driving because of the strain and fatigue they experience. For these reasons, the researchers

recommend that the driver’s seat should be a properly contoured driver’s seat with the

following dimensions to properly suit the jeepney. A head rest must also be provided since

not all shuttle provide a head rest.

5.2. Steering wheel

The steering wheel did its purpose ergonomically well with respect to size. The problem

concerning the steering wheel came from the distance of the steering wheel to the driver’s

seat. Most of the shuttle do not have any distance from the driver seat which means that

the space for the driver to move freely is reduced. Although the drivers claim that they are

used to the current position of the steering wheel, the researchers still recommend putting

an adequate distance between the steering wheel and the driver’s seat to provide ample

space for the driver.

5.3. Windshield

The drivers had to bend forward to see the traffic light. This contributes to the frequent

complaint of the drivers of back aches after a working day. Thus, the researchers propose

to increase the height of the windshield. The researchers recommend changing the exterior

design of the shuttle just above the windshield.

5.4. Driver’s entrance

The driver’s entrance is significantly inadequate for an average size of Filipino driver to

go in and out of the shuttle. The entrance from the ground of the shuttle is too high for an

average Filipino driver’s, they need to tip toe to go in and out of the entrance. The research

recommend to lower the entrance of the shuttle.