Here are the main occupational health risks associated with working as a Driver / Transport Worker, with prevention advice.
Extended driving causes severe lower back pain, sciatica and musculoskeletal disorders. Vibration from vehicles compounds these effects on the spine and joints.
Long and irregular hours, shift work and night driving cause dangerous fatigue and sleep disorders. Driver fatigue is a major cause of road accidents.
Traffic pressure, delivery targets, customer demands and isolation contribute to significant stress in transport workers.
Truck and bus drivers are heavily exposed to diesel exhaust fumes, which are classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Long-distance drivers experience significant isolation, disrupted family life and high rates of depression and anxiety.