Osh in figures: Annex to Report: Occupational Safety …...OSH in figures - Occupational safety and...

ISSN 1830-5946

Osh in figures: Annex to Report: Occupational Safety and Health

in the road transport sector: An overview

National Report: Finland

TE

-RO

-10-001-EN

-N

Authors :Aira Ylä-Outinen, Krista Pahkin, FIOH, Finland

Edited and updated by Xabier Irastorza and Elke Schneider - European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA)

This document is an annex to the Agency’s Report “OSH in figures - Occupational safety and health in the transport sector – an overview”

You can find the full report –in English only- on the Agency’s website: http://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/reports/transport-sector_TERO10001ENC/view

More information on the European Union is available on the Internet (http://europa.eu).

Cataloguing data can be found on the cover of this publication.

Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Communities, 2011

ISBN -13: 978-92-9191-303-9

DOI: 10.2802/2218

© European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, 2011

Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged.

http://europa.eu/

http://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/reports/transport-sector_TERO10001ENC/view

OSH in figures - Occupational safety and health in the transport sector – an overview - Finland

Table of Contents

1 Source description............................................................................................................................. 3

1.1 Statistical sources .................................................................................................................... 3

1.2 Analytical sources .................................................................................................................... 5

2 Summary ........................................................................................................................................... 6

3 Statistical and analytical data collection on Transport ...................................................................... 7

3.1 Contextual features .................................................................................................................. 7

3.2 Exposure to risks.................................................................................................................... 16

3.3 Health outcomes .................................................................................................................... 22

3.4 Legislation and policies .......................................................................................................... 22

List of figures and tables

Figure 1: Percentage share of employment in transport in total employment in Finland (15-64 years), 1995-2006. ................................................................................................................................8

Figure 2: Percentage distribution of employment (15-64 years) in transport among transport subsectors, 1995-2006..............................................................................................................8

Figure 3: Percentage distribution of employment in bus and freight transport by road in Finland, by enterprise size, 2000.................................................................................................................9

Figure 4: Percentage distribution of employment in Finland, by gender, transport and total working population, 1995-2006. ...........................................................................................................10

Figure 5: Percentage distribution of employment in Finland, by gender, in transport subsectors, 1995-2006. ..............................................................................................................................11

Figure 6: Percentage distribution of employment in Finland, by age, in transport and the total working population, 1995-2006. ..............................................................................................12

Figure 7: Percentage distribution of employment in Finland, by age and gender, in transport and the total working population, 1995-2006. ................................................................................13

Figure 8: Percentage distribution of employment in transport, storage and communication in Finland, by type of employment contract, 2000-2007. ............................................................15

Figure 9: Percentage share of part-time employment in transport subsectors and the total working population in Finland, 1995-2006............................................................................................15

Figure 10: Several indicators on job control (percentage share of workers reporting ‘very much and quite a lot’ of control) in Finland, 2003. ...................................................................................20

EU-OSHA – European Agency for Safety and Health at Work 1


Table 1: Employment in Finland (15-64 years), in 1,000’s, 1995-2006....................................................7

Table 2: Number of workers in bus and freight transport by road in Finland, by enterprise size, 2000...9

Table 3: Employment by gender in Finland, 15-64 years, 1995-2006. ..................................................10

Table 4: Employment by gender and transport subsector in Finland, 15-64 years, 1995-2006. ...........11

Table 5: Employment by age in Finland, 1995-2006..............................................................................12

Table 6: Employers by transport subsector in Finland, 2000 - 2004......................................................14

Table 7: Employees by type of employment contract in transport, storage and communication (NACE 60-64), 2000-2007 Finland..........................................................................................14

Table 8: Are you exposed to vibration at work? How hazardous to yourself (a lot/quite a lot) do you consider the vibration? 2003, 2006 ..................................................................................16

Table 9: Is your work physically demanding? 2003, 2006......................................................................17

Table 10: Are you exposed to gases (e.g. vehicle exhausts) in your work? How hazardous to yourself do you consider the gases? 2003, 2006 ...................................................................19

Table 11: Are you exposed to solvents (e.g., thinners, fuel or paint solvents) in your work? How hazardous to yourself do you consider the solvents? 2003, 2006..........................................19



1 Source description

1.1 Statistical sources Title European Union Labour Force Survey

Acronym LFS

Institution Eurostat, Statistical Office of the European Communities

Country EU

Periodicity 1983-…

Type Household Survey

URL Figures available on: www.epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu

The European Union labour force survey Methods and definitions – 2001

http://www.mmo.gr/pdf/library/Data issues/KS_BF_03_002____N_EN.pdf

Coverage GEOGRAPHICAL COVERAGE

The EU-LFS covers all the territories of the Member States of the European Union, the EFTA countries, as well as Bulgaria and Romania. In case of Cyprus, however, the data only refer to the territory under the control of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus.

INDUSTRIAL AND OCCUPATIONAL COVERAGE

The EU-LFS covers all industries and occupations.

POPULATION COVERAGE

The EU-LFS covers the total population usually residing in Member States, except persons living in collective or institutional households. While demographic data are gathered for all age groups, questions relating to labour market status are restricted to persons in the age group 15 years or older except for Spain, the United Kingdom and Iceland where this age limit is 16 years. In Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Hungary, Finland, Sweden, Iceland and Norway questions on the labour market characteristics are also restricted to those younger than 75 years of age. In the EFTA countries, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland, population data are not provided for the age-groups outside the scope of labour market questions.

TOPICAL COVERAGE

The EU-LFS is organised in thirteen modules, covering demographic background, labour status, employment characteristics of the main job, hours worked, employment characteristics of the second job, time-related underemployment, search for employment, education and training, previous work experience of persons not in employment, situation one year before the survey, main labour status, income and technical items relating to the interview.

Content The European Union Labour Force Survey (EU-LFS) provides population estimates for the main labour market characteristics, such as employment, unemployment, inactivity, hours of work, occupation, economic activity and much else as well as important socio-demographic characteristics, such as sex, age, education, households and regions of residence.

The division of the population into employed persons, unemployed persons and inactive persons follows the ILO definition. Other concepts also follow broadly the recommendations of ILO.


http://www.epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/

http://www.mmo.gr/pdf/library/Data%20issues/KS_BF_03_002____N_EN.pdf


Title Work and Health Survey 2006

(Työ ja terveys - haastattelututkimus 2006)

Acronym WHS

Institution Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (Työterveyslaitos)

Country Finland

Periodicity 1997, 2000, 2003, 2006

Type Every three years from 1997 onwards

Demographic group

25-64 years old Finnish citizens

Objectives Follow up information on working conditions and work life in Finland, done by 80 experts. To gather information on work, working conditions, health, well-being, work ability, manners of life connect to the health, balance between work and family, use of Health Care system and the functionality of Occupational Health Care.

Description A telephone interview survey which is done every three years from 1997 onwards by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health. The sample is based on random sample of 25-64 years old Finns. 2900 to 3331 interviews are done, and approximately two third of those interviewed are active in work life.

NOTE: the sample on workers on road transport sector is only 187.

Title Finnish Register of Occupational Diseases

Acronym FROD

Institution Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (Työterveyslaitos)

Country Finland

Periodicity Annual until 2002

Type Register

URL http://www.ttl.fi/NR/rdonlyres/AF1A239E-A09D-47AB-9F69-16ED2B6D12ED/0/Occupational.pdf

Demographic group

Finnish workers

Objectives

The Finnish Register of Occupational Diseases (FROD) was established at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH) in 1964. The objectives of the FROD are to serve as a source of statistics on occupational diseases, and to promote research on occupational health. The FROD is maintained by the Surveillance Section of the FIOH. Altogether 176,000 cases of occupational diseases, of which about 34,000 are skin diseases, have accumulated in the Register during 1964–2002.

Description

The statistics are based on the Register of Occupational Diseases, established in 1964, and maintained by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH). The Register’s status as a research register was consolidated in the Finnish

Legislation in 1993. The unit of observation in the register is a filed claim of an occupational disease.


http://www.ttl.fi/NR/rdonlyres/AF1A239E-A09D-47AB-9F69-16ED2B6D12ED/0/Occupational.pdf

http://www.ttl.fi/NR/rdonlyres/AF1A239E-A09D-47AB-9F69-16ED2B6D12ED/0/Occupational.pdf


1.2 Analytical sources Country Finland

Title The national report on working conditions in road transport in Finland 2003

Editor Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Lappeenranta

Country Finland

Time 2003

URL http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/ewco/surveys/previoussurveys/secanalysis2000.htm

http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/ewco/employment/documents/RoadFinland.pdf

Summary This report provides a snapshot of working conditions in Finland road transport sector. It highlights the trends and developments shaping the industry and examines the issues of concern for those working in the sector and for policymakers. The report, based on analyses of working conditions and quality of work and employment issues in this sector, assesses the impact of trends such as globalisation, developments in technology and an increasingly demanding consumer base.

TOC Introduction

Sector characteristics

Quality of work and employment: descriptive features

Quality of work and employment: analysis

Quality of work and employment: policies and instruments

Issues and challenges

References

Country Finland

Title Relationship between safety, logistics, working conditions and professional attractiveness of road transport - LOGHO-project

(Tiekuljetusten liikenneturvallisuuden, logistiikan, työolojen ja ammatin houkuttelevuuden väliset yhteydet - LOGHO-projekti)

Editor I.Salanne, E.Keskinen, P.Kärmeniemi & al. Työ ja ihminen Research report 30 Finnish Institute of Occupational Health

Country Finland

Time 2006

Summary The goal of the LOGHO-project was to clarify the relationship between safety, logistics, working conditions and professional attractiveness of road transport. This was done by carrying out interviews and using earlier research findings and. The goal was to get an overall picture of the relevant connections. Based on the results a new research project was started with the main focus on road transport of goods.

TOC 1. Logistics

2. Safety

3. Working conditions

4. Summary of the interviews done in the LOGHO-project

5. Summary and conclusions of reports done in the LOGHO-project


http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/ewco/surveys/previoussurveys/secanalysis2000.htm

http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/ewco/surveys/previoussurveys/secanalysis2000.htm

http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/ewco/employment/documents/RoadFinland.pdf


2 Summary The number of enterprises in transport (12,000) has grown steadily between 1994 and 2000, representing 5.4% of all the national enterprises in 2000. The growth has been more prominent in bus transport than in freight transport: 30% and 5%, respectively. Business size in freight transport and bus transport is small: 95% of freight businesses and 68% of bus enterprises had less than 10 employees in 2000. Between 1995 and 1999 the number of workers in bus transport increased by 15% and in freight transport by 27%. Male employees are the majority in both the bus (87%) and the freight transport (92%) subsector. However, the share of women is increasing in both sectors, especially in bus transport.

Concerning occupations, motor vehicle drivers represent 98% of employees in bus transport and 97% in freight transport. Most of them are self-employed or working in SMEs and the majority (83%) work full time.

Transport workers are frequently exposed to noise (70%), vibration (50%), insufficient lighting (69%), cold temperatures (49%) and chemicals (67%). Road transport workers frequently complain of monotonous sitting postures and repetitive movements. Musculoskeletal disorders are mostly back and shoulder problems.

The perceived work competence and performance are good and 72% of transport workers are satisfied at work. Generally drivers have irregular working hours and they work alone. Their working conditions are dependent on direct customer demand and they frequently suffer from lack of sufficient daily rest periods, tight schedules, long working hours and working at night.

Information technologies are commonly used in the sector: in 2001, computers were used in 67% of enterprises with one vehicle and in 100% of those with over 10 vehicles. The rate of GSM phones in enterprises with one vehicle was 94% and reached 100% among those with over 10 vehicles. IT technology requires attention during driving and it is an additional information load for drivers. When it comes to education level, 60% of drivers have lower vocational education. However, their work demands have increased, e.g. due to advances in information technology. On this, about a third of drivers reported that they would be able to carry out more demanding tasks, and they feel that their possibilities to get professional training are poor.

Falling and slipping (24%) as well as falling from heights or jumping (12%) are frequent work accidents. Regarding occupational diseases, inner ear disorders are at the same level as national figures, which is due to drivers' frequent exposure to high-level noise. Sickness absenteeism is slightly higher in road transport (3%) than the national average (2%). Road transport workers tend to smoke more heavily, exercise less and have more weight problems than workers in other sectors. Consequently, drivers have been reported to suffer from hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases, sleep apnoea, overweight, stress and back and neck-shoulder disorders. There is also an indication of health-based selection with increasing age of drivers.

Risk groups and actions to be taken:

1. The risk factors arising from life-style (smoking, little exercise, weight problems) are in need of intervention surveys.

2. Employees working in SMEs often have fewer or no access to OSH services. The availability of these services should be improved.

3. Drivers are in greater need of rehabilitation than workers in other sectors. Only one third of drivers believe they will not need to consider early retirement due to health problems.

4. Ergonomic issues related to the use of IT by drivers seem to be in need of improvement.

5. Loading and unloading places for trucks are frequently unsatisfactory, entailing a high accident risk and with poor lighting and ergonomics.

6. Rest areas for heavy vehicles are in need of improvement. They should have 24 hour social services, offer healthy meals and the possibility for physical exercise and resting without the risk of being robbed.

7. Overtime work and fatigue are still a prominent health risk to drivers. There is a need to improve dissemination of information on this regard.



3 Statistical and analytical data collection on Transport

The transport sector in this template refers to the following NACE codes.

NACE 60: Land transport; transport via pipelines

601 Rail transport

602 Road transport

6021 + 6022 + 6023 = Transport of persons

6024 = Freight transport by road

603 Transport through pipes

NACE 61: Transport over water

611 Transport overseas

612 Inland navigation

NACE 62: Air transport

3.1 Contextual features

3.1.1 General prevalence – Employment

In Finland about 100,000 people are working full-time in transport, out of which 80,000-90,000 are working in road transport. There are approximately 400 bus companies employing 11,000 people and there are around 15,000 taxi drivers, 9,000 of which are self-employed.

The number of workers in road transport and air transport has slowly increased and will probably continue to increase. In the transport over water the number of workers will continue to decrease, even though the amount of transport over water will continue to increase. The reason is that more and more of the transport will be done in ships under foreign flags.

Table 1: Employment in Finland (15-64 years), in 1,000’s, 1995-2006.

Transport (60 + 61 + 62)

Total

1995 78.8 1,989.3

1996 82.5 2,040.4

1997 95.1 2,103.1

1998 94.6 2,163.2

1999 89.9 2,317.8

2000 94.0 2,349.2

2001 99.2 2,385.8

2002 93.1 2,388.7

2003 88.9 2,380.4



Total Transport (60 + 61 + 62)

2004 93.9 2,366.2

2005 89.1 2,402.0

2006 93.6 2,434.0

Source: LFS

Employment in transport makes up around 4% of total employment in Finland. This share has recorded a slight drop since 1997, when it reached 4.5%, but it has remained relatively stable around the 4% mark.

Figure 1: Percentage share of employment in transport in total employment in Finland (15-64 years), 1995-2006.

4.0 4.04.5 4.4

3.9 4.0 4.23.9 3.7

4.03.7 3.8

0.0

0.51.0

1.52.0

2.5

3.03.5

4.04.5

5.0

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Source: LFS

By transport subsector, as it has been pointed out above the largest one is land transport, making up more than 80% of the total employment in transport in Finland. Transport over water comes next, representing slightly over 10% of total transport employment while air transport employs the remaining 8-9% of people.

Figure 2: Percentage distribution of employment (15-64 years) in transport among transport subsectors, 1995-2006.

79.7 78.7 81.3 82.4 78.6 80.7 77.7 79.1 81.2 80.8 80.4 81.0

12.5 13.9 10.1 8.5 10.0 10.0 12.7 13.5 10.7 11.5 11.6 10.38.78.07.78.27.49.69.311.49.18.67.7 7.4

0102030405060708090

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

60 Land transport, transport via pipelines 61 Transport over w ater 62 Air transport

Source: LFS



3.1.2 Size of the enterprises

The majority of workers (82%) in freight transport by road work at enterprises employing less than 50 people. The corresponding percentage for bus transport was 33% and for the overall economy 44%. The average number of trucks was 2.4 per enterprise and 66% of the trucking companies had only one truck in 1999. Bus transport is also featured by small enterprises and typically, a Finnish bus enterprise owns no more than five buses. Only nine bus enterprises and two transport systems in Finland have more than 100 buses (Finnish Bus and Coach Association 2001).1

Table 2: Number of workers in bus and freight transport by road in Finland, by enterprise size, 2000.

Transport Number of

workers Bus Transport Freight transport

by road Bus & freight

transport Total

0 7 205 212 11,411

1-9 932 21,310 22,242 308,330

10-49 2,276 9,325 11,601 250,278

50-249 3,840 2,991 6,831 224,239

250-499 1,751 883 2,634 104,052

500+ 1,199 3,097 4,296 403,108

TOTAL 10,005 47,816 57,821 1,301,418

Source: Statistics Finland, Companies by sector and personnel amounts in a year 2000. Unpublished data.

Figure 3: Percentage distribution of employment in bus and freight transport by road in Finland, by enterprise size, 2000.

0.1

9.3

22.7

38.4

17.511.9

0.5

56.4

7.92.3

8.2

0.4

46.5

14.3

5.59.0

0.8

23.619.2 17.2

7.9

30.924.6

24.3

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

0 1-9 10-49 50-249 250-499 500+

Bus transport Freight transport by road Bus & freight transport All sectors

Source: Statistics Finland, Companies by sector and personnel amounts in a year 2000. Unpublished data.

1 The national report on working conditions in road transport in Finland



3.1.3 Distribution by gender

Transport in Finland is a male dominated sector, with only 15% of workers being females. There are significant differences across transport subsectors. While in road transport the proportion of female workers is only 10%, it goes up to 30% in transport over water and 40% in air transport. The gender composition in land transport has remained fairly constant in time, while in transport over water it has been more variable. Air transport instead has witnessed an increase in the proportion of male workforce from 35.2% in 1995 to 58% in 2006.

Table 3: Employment by gender in Finland, 15-64 years, 1995-2006.

Transport (60 + 61 + 62) Total

Males Females Males Females

1995 65,528 13,229 1,026,800 967,300

1996 66,450 16,007 1,065,500 980,100

1997 78,521 16,556 1,101,300 1,001,800

1998 79,918 14,687 1,135,000 1,028,200

1999 73,990 15,866 1,212,400 1,105,700

2000 78,963 15,016 1,231,800 1,118,100

2001 84,112 15,115 1,243,200 1,142,900

2002 76,801 16,274 1,232,700 1,156,600

2003 77,519 11,426 1,225,700 1,155,000

2004 80,013 13,899 1,224,900 1,142,400

2005 75,572 13,530 1,227,800 1,149,800

2006 79,727 13,852 1,249,200 1,166,900

Source: LFS

Figure 4: Percentage distribution of employment in Finland, by gender, transport and total working population, 1995-2006.

0102030405060708090

100

Males Females Males Females


1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Source: LFS



Table 4: Employment by gender and transport subsector in Finland, 15-64 years, 1995-2006.

60 Land transport, transport via pipelines

61 Transport over water 62 Air transport

Males Females Males Females Males Females

1995 56,327 6,462 7,056 2,821 2,145 3,946

1996 57,805 7,119 5,887 5,563 2,757 3,325

1997 70,606 6,647 5,179 4,453 2,736 5,456

1998 69,445 8,505 6,467 1,568 4,007 4,614

1999 62,282 8,366 5,732 3,229 5,976 4,272

2000 68,439 7,440 5,644 3,743 4,880 3,833

2001 70,808 6,276 7,561 5,044 5,744 3,796

2002 65,755 7,852 7,413 5,144 3,633 3,278

2003 66,840 5,357 6,544 2,942 4,135 3,128

2004 69,348 6,526 7,395 3,393 3,270 3,980

2005 64,983 6,686 6,027 4,297 4,562 2,547

2006 68,584 7,169 6,405 3,254 4,738 3,429

Source: LFS

Figure 5: Percentage distribution of employment in Finland, by gender, in transport subsectors, 1995-2006.

0102030405060708090

100

Males Females Males Females Males Females

60 Land transport, transport viapipelines

61 Tranport over w ater 62 Air transport

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Source: LFS

3.1.4 Distribution by age

The share of young workers (under 25 years of age) in transport is only 10%, a very similar rate to the overall working population. The evolution in time shows that, while the share of young workers has remained relatively stable around the 10% mark, workers aged 25 to 49 have witnessed a drop in their share in the total while the proportion of workers aged 50 to 64 has increased from 19.3% in 1995 to 29.7% in 2006. Similar evolutions are observed by gender.



Table 5: Employment by age in Finland, 1995-2006.


15-24 25-49 50-64 15-24 25-49 50-64

1995 6,554 56,978 15,224 169,300 1,438,800 386,000

1996 3,683 60,675 18,099 168,000 1,462,400 415,100

1997 7,462 66,804 20,810 192,800 1,475,600 434,600

1998 6,383 65,964 22,258 203,600 1,479,100 480,500

1999 9,691 58,620 21,546 287,300 1,496,200 534,500

2000 9,387 62,511 22,081 291,000 1,486,600 572,300

2001 8,199 65,482 25,546 294,400 1,487,300 604,400

2002 8,871 56,495 27,710 284,100 1,481,000 624,200

2003 7,139 52,667 29,139 280,500 1,454,400 645,700

2004 9,908 57,278 26,726 272,300 1,433,600 661,400

2005 6,892 58,064 24,146 256,200 1,437,300 684,100

2006 8,399 57,370 27,810 266,700 1,439,900 709,500

Source: LFS

Figure 6: Percentage distribution of employment in Finland, by age, in transport and the total working population, 1995-2006.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

15-24 25-49 50-64 15-24 25-49 50-64


1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Source: LFS



Figure 7: Percentage distribution of employment in Finland, by age and gender, in transport and the total working population, 1995-2006.

Males

0102030405060708090

100

15-24 25-49 50-64 15-24 25-49 50-64


1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

0102030405060708090

100

15-24 25-49 50-64 15-24 25-49 50-64


1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Females

Source: LFS

3.1.5 Distribution by employment status

3.1.5.1 Self-employment

The amount of businesses in transport has decreased slightly since 2000, one of the reasons being the process of mergers that has taken place among medium sized enterprises in road transport. The amount of entrepreneurs is highest among taxi drivers.



Table 6: Employers by transport subsector in Finland, 2000 - 20042

60 Land transport,

transport via pipelines

61 Transport

over water

62 Air

transport

Total

transport

Total in

Finland

2000 18,033 82 10 18,125 244,550

2001 17,776 81 10 17,867 242,252

2002 17,401 84 7 17,492 239,624

2003 17,226 75 7 17,308 237,603

2004 17,298 82 9 17,389 238,863

Source: Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.

3.1.5.2 Temporary employment

Statistics Finland provides information on employment contracts differentiating between permanent and fixed-term employment. The numbers below are from transport, storage and communication.

Table 7: Employees by type of employment contract in transport, storage and communication (NACE 60-64), 2000-2007 Finland3

Total Permanent Fixed term DK/DA

2000 147,977 134,013 13,754 210

2001 153,571 139,078 14,296 198

2002 148,289 135,065 13,047 176

2003 150,374 138,240 12,003 131

2004 147,141 134,467 12,650 25

2005 149,745 136,028 13,596 121

2006 159,377 143,875 15,432 69

2007 152,576 138,878 13,583 115

Source: Statistics Finland.

2 www.ttl.fi/extranet/Tyosuojeluntuki/tyoolot_suomessa. 3 Tilastokeskus Palkansaajien työsuhteen pysyvyys toimialan mukaan. Kk-työvoimatutkimus 2007 ( The monthly LFS 2007)


http://www.ttl.fi/extranet/Tyosuojeluntuki/tyoolot%1F_suomessa


Figure 8: Percentage distribution of employment in transport, storage and communication in Finland, by type of employment contract, 2000-2007.

90.6 90.6 91.1 91.9 91.4 90.8 90.3 91.0

9.3 9.3 8.8 8.0 8.6 9.1 9.7 8.9

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Permanent

Fixed

Source: Statistics Finland.

3.1.5.3 Part-time work

The share of part-time work in transport in Finland is small and it has not been higher than 8% between 1995 and 2006. As opposed to this, the share in the overall working population has slightly increased in recent years, reaching 14% in 2006.

The situation is different among transport subsectors and while land transport has reported a somewhat more stable evolution, ranging from a minimum 3.5% in 1996 to 8.6% in 2000, part-time employment in transport over water has fluctuated between 2.7% in 2005 and 13.1% in 1997. Of course, this is due to the small employment figures in transport over water by which small absolute changes have significant effects in percentage terms. The same holds true for air transport.

Figure 9: Percentage share of part-time employment in transport subsectors and the total working population in Finland, 1995-2006

Transport and total

6,5

4,25,8 5,6

6,67,9

6,4 5,76,9 6,7 7,0

5,2

11,7 11,6 11,4 11,7 12,2 12,2 12,0 12,4 12,9 13,1 13,7 14,0

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Transport Total

Source: LFS



Transport subsectors

6,1

3,54,9

6,16,9

8,66,8 6,1 6,8 6,7 7,0

5,6

9,5 10,1

13,1

0,0

4,6 4,45,9 5,4

7,2

2,7

8,1

3,2

5,6

0,0

6,1 6,5 6,15,0 4,3

1,7

7,4

12,6

5,74,0

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

60 Land transport, transport via pipelines 61 Transport over w ater 62 Air transport

Source: LFS

3.1.6 Migrant workers

In Finland there is no information available on migrant workers in transport since the ethnic background of workers is not reported in the statistics. However, according to the bus union there are approximately 11,000 bus drivers in Finland, 7% of them being migrant workers.

3.2 Exposure to risks

3.2.1 Physical work factors

3.2.1.1 Exposure to vibrations

According to the 2006 Work and Health Survey, 36% of workers in transport reported being exposed to vibrations at work and 4% reported being exposed a lot or quite a lot. The corresponding figures in 2003 were 41% and 7%.

Table 8: Are you exposed to vibration at work? How hazardous to yourself (a lot/quite a lot) do you consider the vibration? 2003, 2006

2003 2006

% exposure % (quite) a lot % exposure % (quite) a lot

Transport 41 7 36 4

All sectors 18 2 25 2

Source: Work and Health Survey (WHS).

Most research on vibration has been carried out among heavy machines, forest machines and other machines used in difficult terrains. However, there is less research information available on full-body vibrations caused by trucks. Based on available information on heavy machines, cabin vibration has



an influence on the whole body of drivers and can cause not only back symptoms but it may also lead to additional problems on vision, coordination and the overall functional ability of drivers'.4

3.2.1.2 Painful positions

Road transport workers reported a number of physical stress factors: a monotonous sitting posture ranks as number one, followed by repetitive movements. The back/shoulder area was at the top of the list of symptoms related to MSDs among drivers. Previously, the neck/shoulder area was the leading symptom, while 10% of complaints were related to the lower back/pelvis area (Moilanen et al. 1998). There was a greater need for rehabilitation among road transport workers than in other sectors. Terminal and maintenance workers continued complaining of poor working positions, as they have to carry and lift heavy loads manually. Having to sit for a long time at the wheel, in an unergonomic seat, and not knowing how to adjust the seat properly, increase the risk for work-related injuries.5

Workers in road transport are exposed to repetitive movements while driving, collecting bus fares, pulling/pushing wheel and refuse racks and getting on and off their vehicles. When computers are installed in confined spaces –i.e., for collecting fares on buses-, workers are exposed to awkward postures of the upper body, head and upper limbs.6

3.2.1.3 Heavy loads

Manual lifting and carrying of loads is a problem, particularly in general cargo and coach transport.

Workers have to lift and hold up heavy loads while handling pipes when loading/unloading. While working at terminals they may use poorly functioning equipment or none at all; loading and unloading buses, particularly in charter transport, is strenuous; leaning forward and twisting in confined spaces, handling of waste containers and sacks, and installing/removing snow chains on timber trucks are all strenuous operations.7

According to the 2006 Work and Health Survey, 28% of respondents in transport felt that their work was very or quite physically demanding. This proportion has increased 7% from 2003, even though the share of those reporting heavy work load (i.e. lifting without instrument/vehicle or difficult working postures) has decreased in the same period.8

Table 9: Is your work physically demanding? 2003, 2006

2003 2006


Transport 47% 21% 50% 28%

All sectors 48% 25% 49% 25%

Source: Work and Health Survey (WHS). 4 Connections between the safety, logistics, working conditions and professional attractiveness of road transport, FIOH 2006 5 The national report on working conditions in road transport in Finland 6 The national report on working conditions in road transport in Finland 7 The national report on working conditions in road transport in Finland 8 Work and Health Survey 2006



3.2.1.4 Road safety

According to a survey (Heinonen, Keskinen & Sipiläinen 2005) carried out in transport, most truck drivers viewed the safety level of their work as quite good. Results were even better among bus drivers. Among truck drivers, the safety level at work was regarded to be better by entrepreneurs than by employees.

Regarding the main concerns and biggest risk factors, 24% of drivers reported that the ‘road condition’ was their biggest concern, followed by ‘other persons on the road’ (21%), ‘time pressure’ (11%) and ‘road conditions in winter’ (11%). Stress was also viewed as quite a common risk factor. Those regarding the safety level as poor viewed their own driving as a higher risk exposure than those who considered the safety level to be good. The poor self-reported health was connected to risk driving.

In the calculations done by the Central Organisation for Traffic Safety in Finland (Liikenneturva) it was noticed that drivers not using the safety belt is a sign of underestimating safety risks at work. However, the use of the safety belt is increasing among drivers. While in 1997 only 12% of drivers of heavy vehicles used safety belts, in 2002 the corresponding share was 30%. Another statistic shows that among those drivers who have the possibility to use the safety belt –not all vehicles have a safety belt- 39% used it.9

3.2.1.5 Exposure to noise

According to a study (Ylä-Outinen et al., 2002) workers are exposed to noise when loading and unloading. The noise from unloading pumps may be harmful depending on the driver's own work practices, the distance to the pump -when unloading-, and the gear in which the pump is being used. Some drivers are also exposed to noise in factory halls where loading and unloading takes place. Washing of containers and (wheel) racks falling may also increase the exposure to noise.10

3.2.1.6 Exposure to heat and cold

Drivers also reported poor temperature conditions, highlighting cold and (air) draughts as significant problems in their work environment. In this sense, air draughts and temperature fluctuations are common in loading/unloading areas located outside buildings. The level of exposure depends on the season, but also on the type of loading -e.g. lorry cranes are not usually equipped with an operator's cabin-. Loading usually takes 30 minutes and the number of loads is typically 5-8 per working day. The time for unloading varies depending on who takes care of the unstrapping of the load. Cold temperatures and air draughts are also a problem in terminals and in bus transport.11

3.2.1.7 Inhalation of vapours, fumes

Drivers reported exposure to exhaust fumes from vehicles as a serious problem: as many as 70% of surveyed drivers experienced fumes to be a problem in their job. Drivers are exposed to exhaust fumes, among others, at bus terminals, bus stops and when idling in loading/unloading terminals. Exposure to other harmful chemicals also results from the loading, measurement, unloading and washing of containers; when preparing the vehicle for duty; from chemicals for on-board toilets on buses; chemicals for cleaning refuse disposal vehicles, chemicals used in refuse disposal and volatile organic chemicals (VOC). Drivers are also at risk due to the carcinogenic substances in a great number of chemicals when filling up the vehicle -with heavy fuel oil-.

9Connections between the safety, logistics, working conditions and professional attractiveness of road transport, FIOH 2006 10 The national report on working conditions in road transport in Finland 11 The national report on working conditions in road transport in Finland



Moreover, exposure to road dust occurs at bus stops, at terminals and at loading areas. Inorganic and organic small-particle dust is a problem too during refuse disposal.12

3.2.1.8 Handling dangerous substances

In transport of goods, dangerous substances are handled, among others, when loading/unloading. During the actual transport, dangerous substances are not usually a risk factor for the drivers' health, but in accidents they may represent a risk. As mentioned above, all drivers are exposed to exhaust gases and the different chemicals they contain.13

According to the 2006 Finnish Work and Health Survey, 56% of transport workers reported being exposed to gases at work, for example, from traffic. In 2003 the corresponding share was 38%. Also the percentage share of those reporting that these gases are harmful has increased by 9% in the same period of time.

Table 10: Are you exposed to gases (e.g. vehicle exhausts) in your work? How hazardous to yourself do you consider the gases? 2003, 2006

2003 2006


Transport 38% 22% 56% 31%

All sectors 15% 10% 19% 12%


In transport and traffic 33% of workers reported being exposed to solvents at work in 2006 while the average for the total working population was 26%.

Table 11: Are you exposed to solvents (e.g., thinners, fuel or paint solvents) in your work? How hazardous to yourself do you consider the solvents? 2003, 2006

2003 2006


Transport 32% 10% 33% 7%

All sectors 21% 9% 26% 12%


3.2.2 Work organisation

3.2.2.1 Job control

According to Eurofound’s national report on working conditions in road transport in Finland14, work pace appeared to be the aspect over which workers in road transport have most control. In this sense, 43.5% of workers in the sector reported having control (‘very much’ and ‘quite a lot’) over the work pace, followed by control over the order of tasks (38.7%), work content (38%) and work

12 The national report on working conditions in road transport in Finland 13 Connections between the safety, logistics, working conditions and professional attractiveness of road transport, FIOH 2006 14 The national report on working conditions in road transport in Finland



methods (36.7%). Control over the workload (20% of workers) and over the rotation of tasks (10.1%) is less frequent.

Figure 10: Several indicators on job control (percentage share of workers reporting ‘very much and quite a lot’ of control) in Finland, 2003.

38.0 38.7

43.5

36.7

20.8

10.1

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

Work content Order of task Work pace Work methods Workload Rotation of tasks

Source: National report on working conditions in road transport in Finland, Eurofound, 2003.

3.2.3 Working time

3.2.3.1 Working hours

Working hours are usually long in transport. According to the Finnish Transport Workers' Union (AKT) in 1999, only one fifth of drivers in the sector worked 40 hours per week but by 2004, and according to Impiö et al. (2004), working hours of waste drivers was 45 hours per week. In the survey carried out among tank and wood drivers over 90% of respondents reported working over 10 hours per day. In 1999 the longest working hours were found among combination truck drivers and young workers.15

3.2.3.2 Working time patters

According to the 2006 Finnish Work and Health Survey, 51% of workers in transport and traffic work at night at least once a month, and 50% reported working during weekends. Both night and weekend work have increased by about 10% between 2003 and 2006.

Working time patterns are, obviously, an important factor of working conditions. Irregular working hours, having to stay awake, driving at nights and long working days are strain factors at work. Health hazards connected to unusual working times, such as insomnia, long-term fatigue and digestive problems, are common and affect the health and well-being of workers. Results show that night work in particular increases the risk of coronary diseases, having an effect too on reproductive health. Fatigue is very common among drivers and approximately two thirds of them have suffered from fatigue more than once, the most common reason for it being lack of sleep. The actual time of driving has an effect on fatigue as drivers point out feeling most tired when driving between one and

15 Connections between the safety, logistics, working conditions and professional attractiveness of road transport, FIOH 2006



six in the morning. Therefore, night work is a safety risk, since tiredness and falling asleep while driving explain almost 20% of the traffic accidents causing deaths.16

3.2.4 Psychosocial factors

3.2.4.1 Stress

Working alone and having irregular working hours are some of the factors that contribute to mental fatigue. Surveys indicate that problems are seldom discussed at work and that supervisors are not often there to give support or encouragement. Openness, communication, improvement of team spirit and management practices are key factors in the effort to improve the functioning of a team. One third of transport entrepreneurs reported fatigue to some extent and a poor working atmosphere in their enterprises. They also recognised problems in the way work is organised.

Drivers reported that the following factors add to the strain of working alone: having to do it for long periods of time; not being able to communicate with anyone; not having influence over their work; remaining alert during night duty; and fear of an accident when loading and unloading chemicals.

Working atmosphere in transport enterprises was reported as being familiar and encouraging (37%) but also as somewhat distrustful and tense (59%); relationships among workers were considered to be good by 63% of surveyed workers. On average, clerical staff had a more positive opinion about the working atmosphere than other groups of employees. Regarding relationships among workers in terminals and in maintenance, 27% of surveyed workers reported that the working atmosphere had improved a little or a great deal, while 21% reported that it had worsened a little or a lot.

Further to what has been suggested above, half of the respondents feel that problems are seldom brought up for discussion, and furthermore, that employees can rarely, if ever, turn to their superiors for encouragement or support. These observations came up in the drivers' response more pronouncedly than in the other groups. In the first survey, employees saw a great deal to be improved on management practices (48%) and team spirit (45%). In the follow-up survey, 13% of workers said that management practices had been dealt with while 25% felt that something had been done about the working atmosphere.17

3.2.4.2 Violence

According to the 2006 Finnish Work and Health Survey, the proportion of transport workers who have been subject to mental violence at work (7%) and threatened with physical violence (5%) has increased by 3% in Finland since 2003.

16 Connections between the safety, logistics, working conditions and professional attractiveness of road transport, FIOH 2006 17 The national report on working conditions in road transport in Finland



3.3 Health outcomes

3.3.1 Occupational accidents

The frequency of occupational accidents has decreased slightly in the past ten years but in 2003 it was still 30% higher than in the overall economy. It was in the likes of that reported in manufacturing and about half of that in construction. The findings were similar for occupational accidents leading to more than three days of absence.

Improved safety managements have decreased the number of minor accidents but the relative number of serious accidents is still high. In road transport the most significant risk factors at work are still the serious traffic accidents. In 1994 the frequency18 of deadly occupational accidents was at its highest level (3.4) compared to the average across all sectors, and while it went down to its lowest level in 2000 (1.4), it doubled in 2001. The frequency of deadly occupational accidents is only slightly higher in construction than in transport.19

3.3.1.1 By cause

The actual work environment itself is the cause of most occupational accidents. Falling and slipping (24%) and falling from heights or jumping (12%) were the most frequent work accidents. Most of the slipping happens in private yards, loading areas, access ramps, stairs, on top of tanks and in machinery halls – i.e., due to oil on the floor-. Other causes of accidents are over strain, sudden moves, being compressed and hurting oneself with objects. Sysi-Aho and Qvist (2005) also show that most accidents are related to drivers' own doings and movements in loading areas.20

3.3.2 Health problems

There are not many occupational diseases reported in the sector. In 2002, 46 occupational diseases were reported among drivers of trucks and other special vehicles. The most frequent occupational diseases were stress (caused by repetitive work), which was reported by 34.7% of drivers, and noise related diseases, affecting 30% of drivers. The frequency of occupational diseases for 10,000 workers is about 11.21

3.4 Legislation and policies

3.4.1 Legislation

In Finland the existing legal framework on OSH covers all activity sectors equally and there are no specific references to transport. Directives and acts concerning working hours and handling dangerous substances are in line with EU directives and acts.

3.4.2 Policies

‘Tons of responsibility - Skilled drivers drive and think’

In 2006 a campaign aiming to improve both the safety and the image of heavy transport was launched. The campaign ‘Tons of responsibility’ is a joint effort of the truck sector, the goal being the

18 Frequency of occupational accidents = number of accidents causing deaths compared to one million work hours done 19 Connections between the safety, logistics, working conditions and professional attractiveness of road transport, FIOH 2006 20 Connections between the safety, logistics, working conditions and professional attractiveness of road transport, FIOH 2006 21 Connections between the safety, logistics, working conditions and professional attractiveness of road transport, FIOH 2006



improvement of attitudes and responsibility of those working in the sector. The goal is also to raise safety as an important value for all those working in the sector, both enterprises and customers.

The aim of the campaign is to comply with speed limits and safety distance requirements. The ‘face’ of the campaign is a cartoon figure of a truck driver (Rekkamies-Reiska), who, in a poster, reminds several important issues:

The speed limit for a truck is 80 km/h.

80 km/h also helps save fuel and tyres.

Safety distance increases safety for all.

Well planed timetables give drivers enough time to rest.

The poster is to be placed somewhere visible where drivers, employers and customers spend their time. Other materials will also be used during the campaign.

Different partners (trade unions, insurance companies) are involved in this campaign, such as Suomen Kuljetus ja Logistiikka SKAL ry, Autoliikenteen Työnantajaliitto ALT ry, Logistiikkayritysten Liitto ry, Kuljetuskeskusten Liitto ry, Auto- ja Kuljetusalan Työntekijä-liitto AKT ry, Rahtarit ry, A-Vakuutus Oy and Liikenneturva.

‘A Healthy driver can cope’

It was a three year project (2001-2004) focused on drivers’ health and welfare awareness and habits. The objective was to bring positive and healthy habits into drivers with the aim to improve their occupational and road traffic safety and life quality. The project consisted of:

Articles about eating, exercising, resting, intoxicant products, mental work load, healthy habits, working ability, welfare at work and community spirit. These articles were published in the Rahtarit paper and web-site (see below, project partners).

Co-operation with the organisations (Rahtirastit) rendering services at rest areas (over 500 rest areas in Finland), with the aim to provide healthier food and information on health and well being to drivers. Health education materials were available at these rest areas.

Fit-to-drive events for freight vehicles (information, expert services) around the country.

A publication of the project was prepared in 2004 and a merit rating research was carried out by the Department of Health Sciences of Kuopio University

The project partners are Rahtarit ry, an organisation of professionals in freight traffic and a member of the international organization, UICR (Union Internationale des Chauffeurs Routiers), the Finnish Health Association (Ms. Leena Sipiläinen, Planning officer) and the Dairy Nutrition Council in Finland.




3.4.3 Case studies

1) Developing ergonomics of display unit work in wood and tank trucks (2003-2004)22

The goal of the project was to develop ergonomics of display units in wood and tank trucks. The display unit work has become frequent in heavy vehicles as part of the steering systems of transport enterprises. The project covered the work tasks, the strain symptoms, the content and design of the display unit and the ergonomics of the cabin. Information was gathered by a questionnaire survey and by interviews. The response rate was 48%, all respondents being male workers, their mean age being 43 years and having worked in the field 22 years on average.

According to the results, respondents devoted about one hour per day to display unit work, part of which was done while driving. Most respondents did irregular working time, 90% of them working over 10 hours per day. Over 50% had eye symptoms, 55% had a bad position of shoulders and neck while driving and 67% had a bad position while using the display unit. Also lighting during driving was felt to be insufficient.

2) Developing well-being of road transport drivers (2005-2006)23

The goal of the project was to develop the content of occupational health checkups for professional drivers, with the further aim to develop a model for occupational health checkups for this group. The strain factors and health risks identified in previous studies were confirmed. When it comes to the occupational health care of professional drivers, attention should be paid to alertness, sleep disorders and cognitive disorders. Attention should also be paid to risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and sleep apnoea, like overweight. Improving the eating habits and options of drivers is thus relevant. Other important areas are smoking, exercising, mental well-being and risk factors at work environment.

Based on the results, a model for occupational health checkups for professional drivers is to be published by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.

3) Developing working conditions, safety and logistics of road transport (2007-2009)24

Based on the results of an analysis carried out in spring 2007, a development project was launched, its main goals being 1) to improve the safety management in transport enterprises, 2) to improve the well-being of employees, and 3) to develop occupational health care in transport enterprises.

22 Kärmeniemi ym. Puutavara- ja säiliöautojen päätetyöergonomian kehittäminen- hankkeen loppuraportti, Lappeenrannan

aluetyöterveyslaitos 21.12.2004. http://www.ttl.fi/Internet/Suomi/Tutkimus/Tutkimushankkeet toimialoittain/Liikenne ja

logistiikka 23 Paula Kärmeniemi ja Seppo Olkkonen (toim.). Maantieliikenteen kuljettajien työhyvinvoinnin kehittäminen.

Työsuojelurahaston loppuraportti no 105257, 29.12.2006, Työterveyslaitos. Summary available on http://www.tsr.fi/tutkimus/tutkittu/hanke.html?id=105257

24 Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, project leader Seppo Olkkonen.

http://www.ttl.fi/Internet/Suomi/Tutkimus/Tutkimushankkeet%20toimialoittain/Liikenne%20ja%20logistiikka

http://www.ttl.fi/Internet/Suomi/Tutkimus/Tutkimushankkeet%20toimialoittain/Liikenne%20ja%20logistiikka

http://www.tsr.fi/tutkimus/tutkittu/hanke.html?id=105257

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