Commercial drivers health and occupational health impact

In today’s logistics and transport industries, commercial drivers play an essential role in keeping the economy moving. However, while they deliver goods and services across the country, they face an elevated risk to their health, particularly concerning cardiovascular disease. According to recent studies, commercial drivers are up to 50% more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease compared to the general population, which has a direct impact on their safety and wellbeing on the roads.

As an employer, ensuring your drivers health and safety is not just a legal requirement but also makes good business sense. This blog will explore the specific health risks faced by drivers, why it matters to your business, and how you can create effective strategies to promote driver health. By doing so, you can reduce absenteeism, improve productivity, and significantly enhance road safety.

The unique risks in drivers health

Commercial drivers face numerous health challenges due to the nature of their work. Many of these risks are compounded by the sedentary lifestyle that driving necessitates. Hours spent sitting behind the wheel, limited access to nutritious food on the road, irregular sleeping patterns, and the stresses of meeting delivery schedules all contribute to a poor health profile for many drivers. Key health concerns include as follows.

Cardiovascular disease 

As noted earlier, drivers health is disproportionately at risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The sedentary nature of driving, combined with poor diet and lack of exercise, puts drivers at a much higher risk of developing heart conditions. In fact, a high percentage of road accidents involving commercial drivers are linked to undiagnosed or poorly managed heart disease.

Obesity and diabetes 

Obesity is another significant issue in drivers health. The combination of sitting for prolonged periods, coupled with limited opportunities for exercise, results in weight gain over time. Many drivers also rely on fast food, which is often high in fats, sugars, and salt. Over time, this can lead to obesity and associated health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is particularly concerning for drivers as it can lead to hypoglycaemic episodes, impairing concentration and reaction times on the road.

Fatigue and sleep apnoea 

Long hours behind the wheel also lead to significant fatigue, which is a major contributor to road accidents. Excessive tiredness impairs decision-making and increases the likelihood of errors. Additionally, many drivers suffer from obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), a condition that affects breathing during sleep and leads to excessive daytime sleepiness. Research has shown that drivers with OSA are three times more likely to be involved in an accident than their peers without the condition. Addressing sleep disorders is crucial to ensuring both driver and public safety.

Mental health issues

Driving can be a lonely and stressful job. Long hours spent in isolation, tight deadlines, and the pressures of ensuring safety on the roads can take a toll on a driver’s mental wellbeing. Many drivers report feeling depressed, anxious, or stressed. Left unaddressed, mental health problems can manifest in increased accident rates, absenteeism, and reduced productivity. Employers have a responsibility to create supportive environments where drivers feel they can openly discuss mental health concerns without stigma.

Why supporting driver health matters for your business

Prioritising the health of your drivers can provide significant benefits, not only for the employees themselves but for your business as well. Here’s why:

Reduced sickness absence 

Healthier drivers are less likely to take time off due to illness. This directly impacts your bottom line by minimising disruptions and ensuring that operations continue smoothly. Chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and musculoskeletal pain are leading causes of long-term sick leave, but proactive intervention can significantly reduce their impact.

Enhanced productivity 

When drivers health is at its best and is supported by their employer, they are more productive. Regular drivers health checks and wellbeing initiatives help drivers maintain their fitness, both physically and mentally, which means they are better able to focus on their tasks and complete their routes on time.

Improved road safety 

By addressing key health concerns such as cardiovascular disease, sleep disorders, and fatigue, employers can play a significant role in reducing road traffic accidents. Not only does this enhance public safety, but it also helps businesses avoid costly vehicle repairs, insurance premiums, and potential legal liabilities associated with accidents.

Compliance and legal responsibilities 

Under UK health and safety legislation, employers have a duty of care to their employees, including ensuring they are fit to carry out their duties safely. For drivers, this means regular health checks, monitoring for conditions that could affect their ability to drive safely (such as diabetes or sleep apnoea), and ensuring they are not overworked to the point of exhaustion.

How employers can support drivers health

With the risks clearly outlined, it is essential for businesses to take proactive steps in supporting the health of their driving workforce. Here are some effective strategies that can be implemented:

Offer regular health screenings 

Implementing regular health checks is one of the most effective ways to monitor and maintain drivers health. These checks can include monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol levels, body weight, and blood sugar levels – all of which are key indicators of cardiovascular and metabolic health. By offering health checks, employers can catch early warning signs of serious conditions like heart disease or diabetes and ensure that drivers seek the necessary medical attention.

Promote healthy eating and physical activity 

Many drivers struggle to access healthy food options while on the road, leading to poor dietary habits. Employers can support drivers by offering nutrition workshops, providing information about healthy food choices, and arranging for healthier snacks to be available on-site or during shifts. Additionally, businesses can encourage physical activity by scheduling regular breaks where drivers are encouraged to stretch or take a short walk. Even brief periods of activity can help mitigate the negative effects of prolonged sitting and reduce musculoskeletal discomfort.

Address sleep apnoea and fatigue 

Fatigue management is critical for road safety. Employers should ensure that drivers have adequate rest periods and offer resources such as fatigue management training. For drivers identified as being at risk for sleep apnoea, employers should facilitate access to medical assessments and treatments. Simple adjustments, like allowing for overnight stays rather than pushing through long shifts, can make a significant difference in managing fatigue and ensuring that drivers are well rested.

Provide mental health support 

Given the isolation and stress that comes with driving, employers should make mental health support easily accessible to their workforce. This could involve providing confidential counselling services, offering stress management workshops, or creating a supportive environment where drivers feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns. Initiatives like an EAP app, which provides 24/7 support for stress and anxiety, are great examples of how employers can actively engage with mental health support.

Encourage hydration and breaks 

Dehydration is a common issue in drivers health, especially those who avoid drinking water due to limited access to toilet facilities. Employers should encourage drivers to stay hydrated and ensure that route planning includes enough rest stops where they can safely take breaks. Regular breaks not only prevent dehydration, but also combat fatigue and help drivers remain alert behind the wheel.

Leveraging occupational health services

Occupational health professionals play a crucial role in supporting the drivers health and safety. By partnering with an occupational health service, employers can receive expert guidance on how to assess fitness for work, carry out health screenings, and offer targeted interventions to improve both mental and physical health outcomes. Occupational health professionals are also well equipped to assess conditions like diabetes, sleep apnoea, and musculoskeletal problems, ensuring that drivers receive the care and adjustments they need.

For businesses without in-house occupational health services, many organisations like Fusion OH offer tailored support packages designed to meet the needs of driving populations. These services can help employers stay compliant with legal requirements, reduce the risk of accidents, and create a healthier workforce.

Supporting your drivers health is not only a moral obligation but also a smart business decision. By implementing proactive health measures such as regular screenings, mental health support, fatigue management, and promoting healthy lifestyles, you can reduce absenteeism, improve productivity, and enhance road safety. Occupational health professionals can offer the necessary expertise to guide these efforts, ensuring that your business is well positioned to support the long-term health and wellbeing of your driving workforce.

Investing in the health of your drivers today will yield benefits that extend far beyond the individual – it will improve your business’s efficiency, safety record, and reputation. So, take action now, and make driver health a priority in your workplace.