Health Issues
Our features, opinions and tips for a healthy life as truck driver
Common injuries from a truck accident
When you drive for a living, it’s important that you understand road safety. Not just for your own safety as a truck driver, but also for the safety of those around you. When talking about accidents, there are huge differences between a car and a truck – not least that a truck is much larger and heavier than a car. As a result, there are also huge differences between what happens when either one is involved in an accident. Data shows that more than 5,000 HGVs were involved in road traffic accidents in Great Britain during 2017. Clearly, accidents are going to happen – and with accidents come injuries. As a truck driver, it’s important you’re prepared should you be involved in an accident yourself. When you pitch a truck against a car, it’s almost certainly going to be the car that comes o...[Read More]
How to tell if someone has a drinking problem
Think you know how to spot someone with a drinking problem? Sometimes it’s not as easy as it seems. Lots of people talk about the UK’s drinking culture – we drink to relax, to socialise and to spend time in our local pub. But, we all drink in different ways and to different degrees, which can make spotting a drinking problem in someone else a challenge. According to research, Brits get drunk more than everyone else in the world (on average, once a week). But how does that translate into drink driving statistics? Drink driving: The reality of drinking when you drive for a living It’s not easy keeping up appearances when you have a drink problem, whether at home or at work. But when you drive a truck for a living, the idea that you can hide a drink problem feels downright dangerous. The majo...[Read More]
Campaign to tackle truck driver mental health
The newly-launched CALM Driver campaign aims to raise awareness of truck drivers’ mental health. A collaborative effort between Driving for Better Business (DfBB), Highways England and the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), the campaign also wants to reduce the stigma surrounding the subject. According to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the suicide rate for truck drivers is 20% higher than the national average. The combination of unpredictable journey times, traffic congestion, tight deadlines, heavy workloads, and limited social interaction is affecting the mental health of truck drivers of all ages. Speaking about the new campaign, Mark Cartwright, head of commercial vehicle incident prevention at Highways England, said: “Drivers who get behind the wheel whe...[Read More]
Risk of fatal injury high in transport sector
New data has revealed the transport sector has an injury rate far higher than the average in other sectors.
Vegan truckers – are you up for joining the trend?
Yes, following a vegan diet when working in trucking will probably require a bit more thought and effort. But the benefits of eating a healthy diet are not to be scoffed at.
How truck drivers can stay healthy on the road
Here are three truck driver health tips to get you started.
6 things truck drivers should remember in a pandemic
Here are six safety tips truck drivers should consider during the current Covid-19 pandemic.
How truck drivers can reduce back pain
Truckers are four times more likely to suffer from back pain than your average person. Unfortunately, it’s something that comes with the job.
How fleet managers can look after their truck drivers’ health and wellbeing
Around 35% of illness at work in the transport industry is attributed to issues with mental health (although that figure is likely to be higher, considering the stigma surrounding the issue).
Guide to on the road fitness
Truckers aren’t renowned for being the picture of glowing health. Research has shown that truck drivers are often obese (many morbidly so), and have the highest risk of chronic health problems of any occupational group.
Free live mental health session this Friday 3rd with Mental Health Solutions
Lockdown is easing and things are slowly getting back to normal. But how bad has our mental health been affected during this pandemic? Last month, we announced that, as part of our #LoveLogistics campaign, we partnered with Mental Health Solutions for online mental health sessions. We’re excited to launch our first 1-hr session this Friday (3 July) at 2:30 pm which will cover tips and tricks for the trucking community on how to best cope with mental health. Colin Symington – Bailey , the Mental Health Solutions consultant, will discuss the following topics: – Mental health statistics – in relation to the workplace – Stigma and discrimination – Stress and burnout – Managing anxiety – Self-care practices – ActionforHappiness’ 10 keys to ...[Read More]
Lack of routine medical testing could force drivers off the road
The road haulage sector is keeping the UK running during the coronavirus crisis – but drivers could be forced off the road due to a lack of routine medical testing, the Road Haulage Association (RHA) has warned.
