Taxi drivers’ perceptions of occupational health risks related to their work environment in the City of Tshwane, South Africa

Abstract

The environments in which taxi drivers in South Africa work can affect their health and wellbeing. The purpose of the study was to document taxi drivers’ perceptions of their occupational health risks in the City of Tshwane, South Africa. A qualitative explorative study was undertaken in which seven focus group interviews with 85 taxi drivers (males, n= 81; females=4) were conducted until data saturation was reached. Content analysis using Taylor-Powell and Renner’s method yielded four thematic categories related to the taxi drivers’ work environment, indicating occupational risks. These included sanitation and hygiene, exposure to criminal activities, disease prone environment as well as occupational and ergonomic risk factors. Exposure to these risk factors could compromise the health and quality of life of taxi drivers. Health harzards in the taxi drivers’ work environment should be addressed, thereby safeguarding the drivers’ and commuters’ wellbeing.