Car Choice Could Increase Back Problems
Saturday, 19. December 2009
As companies make redundancies it is likely that drivers will have to cover larger territories, drive for longer periods and cover greater distances. The fear is that back problems will increase rapidly and lead to more sickness. With Bluetooth connection and auxiliary power outlets in cars it is now possible for company cars to be used as mobile offices causing more workers to be sitting in them to work. The University of Loughborough has called for action following investigations. They said that when cars are chosen for staff to drive their use should be considered more carefully. Company cars or cars used for work should be considered as tools rather than simply perks. Findings showed that those driving for more than 20 hours per week and more than 22,000 miles per annum spending around 40% of their time in the vehicle were most at risk. They also found that very few drivers knew how to adjust their seats and what was the optimum position for driving for long periods. More information is available by visiting www.drivingergonomics.com There is some fantastic advice available on this website – well worth a visit. By Graham Hill
