Work-Related Violence Experienced by Urban Taxi Drivers

ObjectivesThis study measured violence (physical assault, robbery, or weapon confrontation) in taxi drivers, and determined socio-demographic/work factors associated with violence. MethodsIn 2010, 130 taxi drivers, working in a large city in the Western US, were administered a survey evaluating workplace violence events. ResultsThe study population was male (94%), mean age 45, married (54%), foreign-born (55%), with 24% speaking Arabic at home. Drivers drove at night (51%), for an average of 9.7 years and 41hr/week. Almost half reported a history of violence during their driving careers: physical assault, weapon confrontation, or robbery. In the prior 12 months, 12% were physically assaulted, 8% robbed, and 6% confronted with a weapon. Night drivers reported more assaults over their lifetime compared to day drivers (mean=1.64 [sd 4.29] vs. mean=0.53 [sd 1.05], P=0.047). ConclusionsTaxi drivers experience violence at work. Strategies are needed to prevent violence especially in night drivers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 57:1377-1385, 2014. (c) 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.