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Article
Publication date: 2 February 2018

Arto Reiman, Mikael Forsman, Ingela Målqvist, Marianne Parmsund and Annika Lindahl Norberg

The purpose of this paper is to identify various individual factors and combinations thereof that can contribute to truck drivers’ occupational accidents, particularly connected…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify various individual factors and combinations thereof that can contribute to truck drivers’ occupational accidents, particularly connected to work performed outside the cab in various work environments.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 74 accidents were analysed through in-depth interviews with truck drivers. These interviews were conducted employing the critical incident technique, and analysed utilising a qualitative content analysis approach.

Findings

The contributing factors identified were categorised into 14 categories. In all, 13 of these were grouped into four sections reflecting the drivers’ work outside the cab: “Goods and equipment”, “Loading/unloading area”, “Loading/unloading tasks”, and “Organisation”. A single risk factor was associated with 40 accidents while the other 34 involved combinations of factors.

Research limitations/implications

Although the tasks performed by truck drivers in different countries are probably similar, one limitation might be that all the accidents characterised occurred in one country: Sweden.

Practical implications

The findings reveal that complex combinations of risk factors often contribute to accidents. In addition to the transportation company itself, other stakeholders, such as clients, and designers and manufacturers of technology, may influence the occupational safety of truck drivers. Different stakeholders who could contribute to managerial decision making that is designed to prevent accidents are identified and discussed.

Originality/value

This investigation contributes to an in-depth understanding of the causes of accidents in the transportation industry. The findings are discussed from the perspective of the stakeholders and safety management in an attempt to identify key stakeholders who can improve accident prevention.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 48 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 December 2020

Arto Reiman

To investigate safety at truck drivers' work outside the cab with a special focus on work environment and equipment maintenance to prevent occupational accidents.

Abstract

Purpose

To investigate safety at truck drivers' work outside the cab with a special focus on work environment and equipment maintenance to prevent occupational accidents.

Design/methodology/approach

Two statistical databases on Finnish occupational accidents for truck drivers are analysed. Firstly, the national accident statistics database is examined to understand the broad context, and secondly a database on fatal accidents is analysed to better understand the root causes of the accidents and their relationship to human factors in maintenance. Based on the root cause analysis, four accident scenarios are created, and risk management measures are prioritized by occupational safety and health specialists (n = 7).

Findings

The study shows that there are a variety of accidents in truck drivers' work. Most of the accidents occur outside the cab while performing tasks other than driving. Further, in-depth analysis of the fatal accidents increases understanding of the possibilities of different risk management and maintenance actions in preventing such accidents.

Research limitations/implications

Databases contain different limitations concerning the data.

Practical implications

Truck drivers' work environments are wide in nature. Efficient safety management requires broad participation from different stakeholders. In addition to safe work activities, work environment and equipment maintenance is highlighted as a key component for safe and fluent delivery transportation.

Social implications

Road transportation forms a backbone of modern society. Accidents affect the efficiency of transportation and cause manifold costs reaching all the way to the societal level.

Originality/value

This study adds an important dimension of delivery transportation to a current scientific discussion on human factors and maintenance.

Details

Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, vol. 27 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2511

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 22 December 2023

Niko Cajander and Arto Reiman

Skilled workers are crucial for an organization’s success, and managing, retaining and attracting them is vital in long-term. This study aims to explore talent management…

1231

Abstract

Purpose

Skilled workers are crucial for an organization’s success, and managing, retaining and attracting them is vital in long-term. This study aims to explore talent management practices in the Finnish restaurant industry and to align workers' expectations with the real-world experiences of their work to reduce turnover and enhance job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a mixed methods approach, including a survey and interviews with workers and managers to gain insights into their expectations and experiences of work. The study considers themes for designing and implementing effective talent management procedures.

Findings

This study highlights the importance of employees' experiences of their work conditions, leveraging positive emotions and fair utilization of temporary agency work (TAW). Understanding the different work preferences of generational cohorts and addressing the challenges associated with owner disengagement and TAW can also contribute to attracting and retaining talent in the restaurant industry.

Originality/value

Skilled workers have often been portrayed as targets that need to be managed, with insufficient consideration given to their preferences, needs and expectations. With the findings of this study, companies can establish mutual understanding with their employees and attract diverse talent.

Details

Employee Relations: The International Journal, vol. 46 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0142-5455

Keywords

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