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Evaluation of ergonomic and security toll booth
1150-20 B 1996
(96FS-31)
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Issue: |
Prevention of musculoskeletal injuries to ticket attendants while working in toll booths; provision of a safe and secure work environment that reduces the risks for violence related to handling cash and the constant interface with the travelling public. |
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Agency: |
BC Ferry Corporation |
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Representative: |
Mr. Ray Day, Mr. Dave Hartman, and Ms. Dianne Casper |
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Funding: |
$14,036 |
Context: BC Ferry Corporation, owned by the BC Provincial Government, operates an extensive network of vehicle and passenger ferries in coastal British Columbia. Several ferry terminals process large volumes of vehicle traffic daily. Toll booth operators repeatedly stretch to reach drivers in various types and heights of vehicles, and handle cash payments as drivers pay their fares.
Objectives: To identify ways to prevent musculoskeletal injuries to toll booth operators, and to reduce the risk of violence associated with handling cash while in constant interface with the travelling public.
Setting: Two high volume vehicle ferry terminals, Departure Bay and Duke Point are located in Nanaimo, BC. The Duke Point terminal opened, with a new toll booth design, during the study period. The average number of vehicles per month in the study period at Duke Point was 23,633, range 15,476 to 36,602.
Subjects: Seven of 13 ticket agents at Duke Point completed an ergonomic discomfort and security survey. A WCB ergonomist directly observed toll booth operators at work to carry out ergonomic assessment of the work.
Main Outcome Measures: The ergonomist’s detailed assessment provided recommendations for reducing awkward postures, static loading, forceful exertions, glare, and to improve seating, staff training and movements. The survey forms were statistically inconclusive. Four of the seven respondents reported discomfort, while three did not. Discomfort was reported in the neck, upper and lower back, left upper arm, right wrist and left ankle.
Results: Detailed ergonomic analysis of booth design and ticket agent’s work; recommendations for improved toll booth design (relevant to ferry, highway, and parking lot toll booths), seating, work techniques, staff training and work organization.
Conclusion: The initial follow-up that was part of this study suggests a reduction in injury to toll booth operators, at least partly attributable to toll booth modifications.