CDME Module 5: Rheumatic, Arthritic, Orthopedic, Neuromuscular and Vascular and Limb loss or impairment (2025)-Musculoskeletal Disorders and Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Safety

Musculoskeletal Disorders and Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Safety

Pdf Summary

The report by the Medical Expert Panel (MEP), presented to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) on March 14, 2008, discusses the impact of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) on commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver safety. The panel, comprising experts Nortin Hadler, W. Monroe Keyserling, and Joel Press, assessed the current FMCSA standards, which they found outdated and inadequately specific to address the diverse range of conditions encompassed by MSDs.<br /><br />The MEP developed several key recommendations for the FMCSA. Firstly, it advised altering the current general standards to better address the broad spectrum of MSDs. They proposed implementing a Functional Test of Capacity/Fitness for Duty Test. This test would require CMV drivers with episodic or progressive MSDs to undertake functional capacity evaluations at least biennially to ensure they maintain the physical capability necessary to operate a CMV safely.<br /><br />Additionally, the panel recommended developing a rigorous functional screening protocol to assess the physical requirements of CMV operation, backed by thorough research into physical demands like reach and strength. They also highlighted the importance of investigating the role of MSDs in CMV crashes, suggesting a more detailed examination of existing data or new studies to establish any causal links.<br /><br />Regarding specific disorders, the report encourages that individuals with MSDs should only be permitted to drive upon passing tailored functional capacity tests, and they must take responsibility for assessing their condition’s impact on driving safety.<br /><br />The MEP underlined the absence of sufficient direct evidence linking MSDs to increased crash risks. Existing studies were sparse, necessitating a push for further research to strengthen future guidelines. Moreover, they emphasize the need for collaborative input from a diverse panel of experts to form these new guidelines. The document concludes with an overview of current standards from other countries, illustrating a comparative regulatory landscape.

Keywords

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Commercial Motor Vehicle

Driver Safety

Functional Capacity Test

FMCSA Standards

Medical Expert Panel

Episodic MSDs

Crash Risk Research

Regulatory Guidelines

Physical Demands Assessment