Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Mackenzie Seaman, Junior
Lead Presenter's Name
Mackenzie Seaman
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Arts and Sciences
Faculty Mentor Name
Elizabeth Blickensderfer
Abstract
Sometimes, the workplace has demanding tasks that may not fit the person working on them. This case study follows S., a retired veteran, during his work as a delivery driver for Keurig Dr. Pepper, where he faces significant physical demands. He was meant to deliver 21,000 pounds of soda to many different stores per day, often by himself. Additionally, his job required long hours, repetitive movements, and high exertion despite his lean build. Using anthropometric analysis, a Body Discomfort Survey, and workload assessments, it was found that most of the tasks S. was required to perform were too anthropometrically challenging for his body, which resulted in him constantly straining to do his work. One day, S. ended up in an accident that resulted in a severe injury in his left arm due to a faulty door strap. The lack of immediate medical treatment had led to permanent damage in his arm and back. The findings of this study show the need of several changes for this workplace environment including working in teams and conducting routine inspections on non-mechanical equipment. In addition, there needs to be improvement for medical response protocol. Implementing these changes could reduce workplace injury and enhance driver safety. This research underscores the importance of systemic changes to improve conditions for personnel in physically demanding occupations.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
The Risks of Working as a Delivery Driver: A Case Study
Sometimes, the workplace has demanding tasks that may not fit the person working on them. This case study follows S., a retired veteran, during his work as a delivery driver for Keurig Dr. Pepper, where he faces significant physical demands. He was meant to deliver 21,000 pounds of soda to many different stores per day, often by himself. Additionally, his job required long hours, repetitive movements, and high exertion despite his lean build. Using anthropometric analysis, a Body Discomfort Survey, and workload assessments, it was found that most of the tasks S. was required to perform were too anthropometrically challenging for his body, which resulted in him constantly straining to do his work. One day, S. ended up in an accident that resulted in a severe injury in his left arm due to a faulty door strap. The lack of immediate medical treatment had led to permanent damage in his arm and back. The findings of this study show the need of several changes for this workplace environment including working in teams and conducting routine inspections on non-mechanical equipment. In addition, there needs to be improvement for medical response protocol. Implementing these changes could reduce workplace injury and enhance driver safety. This research underscores the importance of systemic changes to improve conditions for personnel in physically demanding occupations.