Ensuring the health and safety of HGV drivers should be one of the most important things you consider when it comes to their overall wellbeing and safety on the roads. HGV drivers face unique challenges due to long hours behind the wheel, sedentary work, and potential exposure to various hazards. Driving a large vehicle isn’t a typical office job, so you should provide your drivers with as much support and guidance as possible. Today we’ll share a few of our top tips on keeping HGV drivers healthy and safe. Safety can be good for everyone involved, since you wouldn’t want drivers to get injured and at the same time, you wouldn’t like to lose business as a result of accidents.

Prioritise Regular Breaks And Rest

It’s important to keep in mind that long hours of driving can be physically and mentally demanding. Therefore, it’s crucial for HGV drivers to take regular breaks to rest and recharge. Adhering to legally mandated rest breaks and ensuring sufficient sleep is essential for driver alertness and reducing the risk of fatigue-related accidents. Encourage drivers to take short breaks to stretch their legs, hydrate, and eat nutritious meals to maintain energy levels. Moreover, efficient route planning can incorporate rest breaks strategically. Companies should consider scheduling journeys to include suitable locations where drivers can take breaks comfortably and safely.

Look For Health And Safety Services

Engaging in health and safety services tailored to the needs of HGV drivers can significantly contribute to their well-being. Collaborating with health and safety service providers can offer specialised expertise in addressing the unique challenges faced by HGV drivers and promoting a safer and healthier working environment. There are various health and safety services, which can be beneficial for your business and drivers. For example, the health and safety consultants at Citation can provide you with expert advice in all types of situations. From risk assessments to health and safety documentation, you will get support, ensuring you have everything on hand.

Promote Physical Activity

Sitting for extended periods of time can negatively impact drivers’ health, as they may not get as many opportunities to stay active. Therefore, it’s important to encourage HGV drivers to engage in regular physical activity to counteract the sedentary nature of their work. For example, you can suggest incorporating simple exercises, such as stretching or walking, which can help improve blood circulation, reduce muscle tension, and prevent stiffness. You can also provide access to fitness facilities or offer resources for on-the-road exercises.

Support Their Mental Wellbeing

Last but not least, the mental well-being of HGV drivers is equally important. There are various factors, which can contribute to the mental health challenges, faced by HGV drivers, such as isolation, long periods away from home, and the pressures of the job. You should encourage open communication and provide access to support services, such as employee assistance programs (EAPs), counselling, or mental health resources. It’s essential to promote work-life balance and ensure drivers have time to spend with their families and pursue hobbies and interests. This way, you will be able to develop a positive work culture that values their well-being and recognises the challenges they face.

HGV drivers' health

About the Author: John Loughran