When you think about driver safety, the focus often lands on distracted driving, speeding, or weather hazards. But there’s another crucial—yet often overlooked—risk that drivers face inside their vehicles: ergonomics.
Whether your employees are delivering goods, performing on-location services, or traveling long distances, they often remain seated in the same position for extended periods. Over time, poor vehicle ergonomics can lead to serious musculoskeletal strain, fatigue, and reduced focus—issues that affect not just health, but performance, productivity, and operational costs.
Prolonged time behind the wheel takes a toll—especially for professional drivers. Our vehicle-based ergonomic assessments are designed to evaluate posture, seating setup, and movement patterns specific to each driver’s work environment. We help identify risks that contribute to back, neck, or shoulder pain and provide tailored recommendations to reduce discomfort and prevent long-term injury.
Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, employers are obligated to ensure safety, health and welfare of employees, which includes managing the risks associated with work related driving. Spectrum Health can help you meet those obligations while supporting the comfort and safety of your workforce.
Why Ergonomics in the Vehicle Matters
Ergonomics is about designing environments to fit the people who use them. While office ergonomics often deals with chairs and monitors, vehicle ergonomics involves seating, posture and reach – even how a driver enters and exits the vehicle.
Without ergonomic considerations inside the vehicle:
- Drivers are more prone to chronic back pain, neck strain, shoulder injuries, and more.
- Fatigue and discomfort can negatively impact focus and increase the risk of accidents.
- Absenteeism and insurance claims rise, pushing up costs.
- Retention drops when job-related pain becomes a common issue.
Common Ergonomic Risks Inside the Vehicle
1. Inadequate Seating:
Standard seats often lack adjustments for lumbar support, seat height, tilt, or cushioning. The use of high-quality ergonomic car seats helps maintain proper posture and reduces pressure on the spine and joints.
2. Awkward Reaching and Repetitive Tasks:
Frequently reaching to use control panels or getting in and out of a vehicle can put repeated stress on your shoulders and back. Making small changes, such as repositioning commonly used items, can go a long way in easing that strain.
3. Whole-Body Vibration (WBV):
Prolonged driving on rough terrain exposes the body to harmful vibration that contributes to lower back problems. Solutions include vibration-dampening seat cushions and improved vehicle suspension.
4. One-Size-Fits-All Limitations:
Vehicles with non-adjustable seats, steering, pedals, and mirrors force drivers into uncomfortable positions. Adjustable features and proper training empower drivers to customise their setup.
How Spectrum Health Can Support Your Employees
At Spectrum Health, we offer both on-site and virtual vehicle ergonomic assessments to identify risks and improve comfort for employees who drive as part of work.
These assessments are conducted by qualified Physiotherapist trained to complete vehicle assessments who assess:
- Driver posture and seating arrangements
- Reach zones for frequently used items
- Positioning for steering, controls, and displays
- Driver entry/exit methods to minimise strain
Following each assessment, Spectrum Health provides tailored recommendations—such as layout adjustments, ergonomic aids, and advice —to reduce injury risk, enhance comfort, and improve overall well-being.
On-site assessments:
We offer one-on-one session with your employees, where an experienced assessor reviews their role, driving habits, and ergonomic challenges.
Using structured questions and hands-on evaluation, the assessor offers real-time tips and adjustments to improve safety and comfort inside the vehicle. After all assessments are completed, you’ll receive a comprehensive report with individual findings and tailored recommendations to support your team’s long-term health and performance.
Virtual assessments:
We also offer convenient virtual assessments. Prior to the appointment, each participant receives a secure video link and support contact details. During the live session, an Ergonomic Specialist guides the employee through a structured assessment, providing expert advice and practical tips to optimise their vehicle setup.
After the session, you’ll receive a comprehensive report summarising the findings and tailored recommendations to support your team’s comfort and safety—no matter where they’re based.
Business Benefits of Prioritising Ergonomics
Placing high importance on vehicle ergonomics can lead to significant benefits:
- Fewer chronic injuries and better driver health
- Reduced workers’ comp and insurance expenditures
- Higher driver satisfaction and lower turnover
- Improved focus, productivity, and operational efficiency
Tips to Improve Vehicle Ergonomics and Driver Wellbeing
1. Schedule Ergonomic Assessments
Bring in Spectrum Health’s experts to evaluate your vehicles and drivers, identifying key pain points and areas for intervention.
2. Train Your Drivers
Teach drivers how to adjust seats, mirrors, and steering wheels properly, recognise discomfort early, and use safe techniques for loading and unloading.
3. Invest in Ergonomic Equipment
- Add swivel seats, supportive cushions, grab bars, and footrests where relevant
- Adjust vehicle layouts to minimise repetitive reaching
4. Make Ergonomics a Procurement Priority
When purchasing or upgrading vehicles, prioritise models and accessories with adjustable, supportive features.
5. Measure Impact Over Time
Track indicators like injury claims, absence rates, and fatigue-related incidents to evaluate ROI and continually improve.
Your Road to Safer, Healthier Driving
In-vehicle ergonomic risk is real—and preventable. As organisations rely more on mobile workforces, the minor adjustments you make in vehicle ergonomics can lead to significant gains in safety, wellness, and performance.
Spectrum Health is here to help with expert vehicle-based ergonomic assessments, robust consulting, driver education, and proactive support to keep your team healthy and productive on the road and within the vehicle.
Ready To Enhance Your Team’s Wellbeing with Expert Ergonomic Support?
Contact Spectrum Health today to schedule a vehicle ergonomic assessment and discover how improved ergonomics can elevate safety and efficiency across your operations.
