Bulletin
CMBC – Backseat Policy Survey Results
October 19, 2020
To: All MoveUP members at Coast Mountain Bus
We sent out a survey to the Transit Security department members regarding the Backseat Policy on October 5, 2020. 59 members responded. These are the results of the survey:
Since the implementation of the Backseat Policy 53% of our members have noticed an increase in neck pain, 73% noticed an increase in stiffness in their neck or shoulder area, 42% noticed an increase in headaches, and 40% noticed an increase of other symptoms. These other symptoms have been summarized below.
66% of survey takers found that their height made it difficult to enter or exit the backseat. 69% stated that inflexibility from wearing body armour makes it difficult to enter or exit the backseat.
58% of survey takers indicated that the seat belt in the backseat does not sit at the appropriate position on their neck. 80% indicated that the headrest in the backseat does not adjust to their height.
86% have hit their head entering or exiting the backseat of the patrol car.
71% indicate they feel unsafe sitting in the backseat of patrol cars. The list of additional health and safety concerns is summarized below.
76% of survey takers would prefer to sit in the front seat with a mask on instead of in the backseat.
Other symptoms reported from riding in the backseat include: mental anguish (being harassed, made fun of by others), nausea, motion sickness, low back pain.
Other health and safety concerns include: no airbags, having to unlock back door manually if partner forgets to unlock it (this is time consuming, especially during an urgent call), no grab handles in back seat, no lumbar support, only the driver has access to work computer which poses a distraction while driving, hit head on roof when going over bumps, whiplash if rear-ended.
With our assistance, the OH&S Committee at your work location will be using the survey results to work on this issue. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Niki Schnurr at nschnurr@moveuptogether.ca.
In solidarity
MoveUP OH&S Committee Members
Niki Schnurr, WCB Appeals & OH&S Representative
Parm Sandhar, Union Representative
Christy Slusarenko, Vice-President of Combined Units