In today’s fast-paced world, the demand for professional drivers only increasing. This may include any individual who undertakes regular driving as part of their normal workplace duties i.e. vans, delivery drivers, mobile plant, tractors, cranes etc. As these individuals spend long hours on the road and in their vehicles, their health and well-being are of utmost importance.
To ensure the safety, productivity and well-being of drivers, employers must prioritise occupational health, with medical assessments and reviews providing regular check-ins. At Acorn, we understand the significance of driver well-being and offer comprehensive assessments to support the occupational health needs of professional drivers.
Pre-placement or Pre-employment Medicals
If driving for work is considered a significant part of a job role, pre-placement medical advice on an individual’s health and fitness levels. These assessments serve as an essential screening process to determine an individual’s physical fitness for driving. Acorn Occupational Health offers a pre-employment medical assessment that evaluates comprehensive medical history to help determine fitness.
Our Pre-employment medical for drivers is a questionnaire-based assessment where specific questions. A snippet of a few questions:
- Have you had any musculoskeletal problems that affect your back, neck or joints
- Have you ever had heart disease
- Do you suffer from epilepsy
One of our trained clinicians will go through the questionnaire, taking into consideration the employee’s job role and any other exposures, the employee answered questions, and then provide appropriate advice and support to the employer.
By completing a pre-placement medical, employers can have peace of mind that drivers are safe and healthy to begin work. Ensuring the suitability of candidates for driving roles is defined from the outset. Plus that any potential risks are identified and if possible mitigated, so enhancing road safety for all.
Driver Health Screening
Monitoring and maintaining a good level of health is vital for drivers to reduce the risk of road accidents, and promote well-being. Regular health screening helps to achieve this.
Conducting regular driver medicals with employees ensures regular check-in and the ability to stay informed of their health and fitness levels and any changes that may have occurred. It also helps to ensure that their work environment is not having a negative impact on their health. These assessments are usually conducted periodically (dependent on age and fitness) and help identify any potential health risks or emerging conditions that may impact a driver’s ability to safely perform their duties. Each of our assessments is tailored to the needs of the individual as well as the business.
Driver Assessments Include:
- A confidential questionnaire
- Medical assessment
- Blood pressure & pulse
- Urinalysis
- Vision screening
- Musculoskeletal assessment
- Counselling
- Report, restrictions and recommendations
- Anonymous statistics
Alongside the standard Driver medical, we can also offer:
- Ergonomic assessments
- Drug and alcohol screening
- PSA Blood Testing
- Stress management
- Mental health assessments
By monitoring drivers’ health over time, potential issues can be detected early, allowing for timely interventions and appropriate support.
Mental Health Support
The mental health of drivers is just as important as their physical health. The insulating nature of driving, long hours on the road away from family, plus the demand schedules can all take their toll on a driver’s mental health. At Acorn Occupational Health, we understand these challenges and offer comprehensive mental health support services for professional drivers.
Our services include both mental health assessment and occupational therapy. Our in-house expert Helen will support individuals with stress, anxiety, depression or other mental health challenges. Either offering services and recommendations or making external referrals if required. This ensures that the employee receives the right support. By prioritising mental health, employers can foster a positive and supportive work environment that enhances driver satisfaction and job performance.
Contact Us
Ensuring the occupational health and well-being of drivers is a paramount responsibility, regardless of the sector or nature of the business. We recognise the unique challenges faced by truck and van drivers and are offering tailored OH solutions to employees’ needs. For employers, prioritising occupational health for professional drivers will only enhance road safety. As well as boost driver productivity, job satisfaction, and business success.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support your business’s commitment to driver safety and health. Call us on 01270 266676 or email us at website@acornoh.co.uk