Driving for extended periods can have serious physical and mental consequences, including fatigue, pain, and even accidents. This is where driver ergonomic assessments and training become invaluable.

With over thirty years of experience evaluating driver and vehicle postures and behaviours across various vehicles—from cars and vans to lorries, submarines, and helicopters—we've seen drivers develop a range of unconventional habits. Many of these postures or behaviours are ingrained over time, often going unnoticed until it's too late—leading to accidents, personal injuries, damage to vehicles, or repeated absences from work due to ill health or pain.

In our experience, optimising the driving environment and teaching proper awareness, behaviour, and correct posture techniques can dramatically enhance driver well-being and safety.

Here’s a challenge many businesses face, particularly with over 300,000 business drivers in the UK:

Prolonged time behind the wheel contributes to musculoskeletal issues and other health problems. Research reveals that:

  • 80% of drivers will experience back pain at some point.
  • Lower back pain is especially prevalent due to extended sitting and poor posture.
  • Fatigue significantly impacts road safety, with tired drivers being three times more likely to be involved in accidents.
  • Stress is also a major concern. A study in Australia found that HGV drivers experience twice as much stress as others, and we know that suicide rates are higher than average in the transport sector.

Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be this way.
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Ergonomic driving and car seat assessment


Take a Look at the Benefits of Ergonomic Driver Assessments and Training

  1. Reduced Pain and Discomfort: Correct ergonomic adjustments can alleviate back, neck, and shoulder pain. Just like you wouldn’t wear ill-fitting clothes, drivers should adjust their seating, steering wheel, and mirrors to better "fit" their bodies. These small changes make a huge difference in comfort.
  2. Increased Alertness and Reduced Fatigue: Ergonomic driver training encourages better posture, minimizing strain and fatigue. This helps drivers stay alert and focused for longer periods.
  3. Mind-Body Dynamic Duo: Just like vehicles need the right fuel and maintenance, our bodies and minds need the same attention. We take a holistic approach, educating drivers on recognizing unhelpful habits and teaching them how to recharge mentally and physically for optimal performance and health.
  4. Enhanced Safety: Reducing pain and fatigue lowers the risk of accidents, making the road a safer place for everyone.
  5. Improved Wellbeing:: Our holistic training boosts overall health, decreases pain, and reduces fatigue. Additionally, it helps drivers avoid mental health struggles, including the risks of depression and even suicide—serious issues that can affect drivers.
  6. Increased Productivity: Let’s avoid presenteeism. One study showed that the transport sector ranked 6-8% higher for presenteeism than the UK employee average of 41%. Comfortable, healthy drivers are more productive, miss fewer days due to pain or injury, and are more likely to remain loyal employees.
  7. Fuel Efficiency: Smoother driving behaviour not only improves safety but also boosts fuel efficiency, saving your company money in the long run.
  8. Lower Litigation Risks: With better driver behaviour, companies can reduce the risk of legal issues, whether from driver injuries, accidents, employment tribunals or speeding violations.
  9. Boost to Your Bottom Line: Companies that invest in ergonomic driver training report up to a 30% reduction in accidents, according to ROSPA.

An AA study suggests every £1 invested returns at least £3-5 in accident reduction, reduced sickness absence, and improved fuel consumption.

So, investing in driver ergonomic assessments and training goes far beyond comfort. It’s about safety, mental and physical well-being, and boosting productivity. By addressing the physical and mental demands of driving, you create a healthier, safer, and more efficient workforce while fostering a positive workplace culture where drivers will want to remain and drive well.

Take Action Today:  

Ready to improve the health, safety, and productivity of your drivers?

Want to save your business money?

Contact Ergocom now.

We offer on-site, online, or blended ergonomic assessments and training for individuals or groups, designed to benefit both your drivers and your bottom line.

© Author: Maria Morris Ergocom Driving Assessor and Consultant