Guide To Avoid Back Problems For Drivers
Tuesday, 22. December 2009
I’ve spoken about back problems before and mentioned the potential dangers faced by employers who choose cars for employees, considered unfit for purpose, in my book ‘An Insider Guide To Car Finance.’ However the University of Loughborough, whose research into driver back problems I mentioned recently, have issued some guidance for drivers and employers when selecting cars that will be used for work: When selecting a suitable vehicle one should consider:
- The type of work the driver does
- The mileage or hours spent in the vehicle
- Whether the car provides a good ‘fit’ to individual drivers
- Do the manufacturers selected offer models suited to the tasks of the drivers, with appropriate levels of seat adjustability to enable good postures to be adopted at all times.
For providers of company cars:
- Provide drivers with both flexibility and personal choice within the car selection process to ensure the cars meet their ergonomic and work related needs.
- Ensure the drivers have an input into the car selection process.
- Regularly review the cars offered and make the list available to the drivers.
- Recommend and facilitate long test drives before a car is chosen by an employee.
- Ensure the monthly lease cost is not the only key deciding factor in the car selection process
- Seek specialist advice in any cases of difficulty.
By Graham Hill
