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Call to fight back pain
Page 14
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LOUGHBOROUGH University (LU) has been granted £200,000 to help improve drivers' health.
The cash, awarded by the Bupa Fotuidation,willenable researchers at the Midlands university to develop ergonomic designs that will help drivers manage and even escape back pain.
LU will work closely with drivers, doctors and safety managers to draw up advice on how back pain, and other discomfort caused by sitting for extended periods, can be avoided. These guidelines will then be made available on a website to help operators develop appropriate company policies.
LU project leader Dr Diane Gyi says: "Britons work the longest hours in Europe and many spend vast amounts of time driving as part of their job. Research at Loughborough University has shown that prevention strategies that are tailored to the drivers' needs are much more effective in terms of changing behaviour and improving health."
Back pain is especially common for employees who drive more than 20 hours a week — and musculoskeletal disorders cost the UK some £200m a year.
• The Fleet Safety Forum, a division of road safety campaign group Brake, is offering free eyesight information packs for fleet managers, inducing practical advice for detecting eyesight problems. Call 01484 559909 or e-mail brake@brake.org.uk