Fatigue Assessment of Oil and Gas Tanker Drivers: Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT-192)

Abstract

Fatigue has seen as a major risk factor for transportation accidents. The purpose of this study is to assess the fatigue rates among oil and gas tanker drivers and provide workable advice that can recommend the transport companies. A purposive sampling technique was adopted to select 10 eligible drivers (5 of them worked at day shift and the other 5, at night shift) for the study. Through Psychomotor vigilance test (PVT-192), drivers’ fatigue has been monitored to assess their fatigue status while driving for five days. Measurements had conducted before the drivers leave the company parking to oil and gas stations, then after their return. Results of this study show that those who drive very early in the morning are subjected to high fatigue risk, as observed in the number of lapses (RT>500ms). Interestingly, in the night shift, subjective alertness measurement results indicate less fatigue risk before the assumption of duty, as compared to after the return of the driver. Overall, the fatigue seemed to be at high levels in the day shift than the night shift. Therefore, a fatigue management system has been suggested to implement in the related company.