Sir,

It is gratifying to know that the City Top Cop has issued safety guidelines to all schools (SOM dated May 11). It should be a role model.

One of the guidelines is: “During school hours, the drivers and other vehicle staff must remain in buses, instead of loitering inside the school compound.”

A prolonged “static” posture is not advisable. It leads to discomfort and joint stresses, high muscle forces, reduced blood flow, fatigue, shoulder and neck pain, back pain, etc. On the contrary, it is advisable to move around into different postures. The exercise improves blood circulation and reduces muscle fatigue. Such disorders are classified as “Musculoskeletal Disorders”. They are mostly irreversible.

In the present case, the “sitting” posture is the one that matters most. It is one of the most awkward postures and, therefore, should be minimised. Sitting inside a bus for hours together and, then, driving a vehicle will make the situation worse.

The best thing would be to ask the staff (crew) to stay in a nearby rest room and, also, go round the bus, by turns, to keep a watch. The school management should provide the necessary facility.

The Mysuru City Police Commissioner may please amend the guideline, accordingly.

– K. N. Krishna Prasad, Lakshmipuram, 28.5.2019

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