From pollutants such as carbon monoxide and carcinogenic diesel, to injuries related to poor posture and dehydration, there are certainly many health risks associated with haulage work – some of which were outlined in part one of this series. However, you needn’t be afraid or worried if you’re part of the logistics industry. There are lots of simple steps you can take to minimise these potential problems.
Read on for some easily controllable solutions drivers can either implement or suggest to their employers.
Sleep
It’s important that anyone involved in haulage work gets enough sleep. On average, humans need seven to nine hours every night, ideally on a regular schedule. Shift work tends to throw the body out of whack, as it forces the adrenal glands to work overdrive just to stay awake. To make sure you get enough shut-eye, you can try relaxation techniques such as a massage, meditation, reading or partaking in sports. If you struggle with insomnia, reaching out to a sleep clinic or therapist may also help.
Nutrition
If you’re unsure how to make healthier food choices, talk to a dietician or nutritionist so they can help you map out a plan that will meet your specific lifestyle requirements. Some top tips include eating heaps of fresh fruit and veg, supplemented by quality proteins, seeds, nuts and complex carbohydrates (such as wholemeal bread instead of white). It’s also important you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated – and don’t mistake feelings of thirst for hunger pangs.
Exercise
People in haulage work tend to sit for long periods of time, which can weaken and fatigue the body. Your neck and shoulders can become stiff and overused, while your back muscles can weaken and struggle to support the upper body. However, even just ten minutes of exercise a day can help remedy this and reduce any pain, especially if you focus on strengthening your muscles. If you need help designing a routine that you can easily fit into your schedule, get in touch with a physiotherapist or personal trainer.
Improve Your Conditions
To help you meet your sleep, exercise and nutrition goals, as well as maintain a pleasant work-life balance, it is a good idea to talk to your manager and ask if you can be involved in the creation of a rotating schedule that includes routes that are productive, fuel-efficient and realistic, while simultaneously taking your family contact and health into consideration. You can also liaise with your colleagues and managers to promote exercise and a healthier lifestyle. Additionally, drivers can be trained to recognise signs of fatigue, and their lorry cabs can be fitted with technology that recognises drowsiness – two ideas that have been proven to reduce accidents.
By using these simple tips and tricks to focus on these three areas of health (as well as maintaining close communication with your supervisors), you will be able to minimise potential risks and improve your overall well-being.
Norman Dulwich is a Correspondent for Haulage Exchange, the leading online trade network for the road transport industry. Connecting logistics professionals across the UK and Europe through their website, Haulage Exchange provides services for matching haulage work with available drivers, and is now the fastest growing Freight Exchange in the UK.
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