Ergonomics is essentially the science of designing workplaces and vehicles to fit the needs of the human users, and prevent misuse, error or injury arising from poor design.  

A guide to driver ergonomics is available from Physio Med.  

Beyond operational need, driver comfort is often a key criteria for the procurement process. However, it is very important that vehicles are chosen for the safety they offer drivers.  

This is not a one-size-fits-all situation. In-cab equipment must be adjusted to give the best possible outcome for each individual driver, as their dimensions will all vary. Therefore, knowing your driver demographic and being able to identify any potential outliers is important. Vehicles may need to be adjusted for the very short or very tall, and care must be taken that these adjustments do not otherwise compromise the effect of the safety equipment for that individual.  

For instance, very light (under 55kg) or short (160cm) drivers are more likely to be seriously injured by airbag activation. 160cm is 5'2.5", which is not unusually short for a female (or those assigned female at birth – AFAB). 

While men tend to be involved in a far higher number of collisions than women (or AFAB), even allowing for mileage, women are far more likely to be seriously injured or killed. They are more likely to suffer leg, pelvic and internal injuries in collisions than men. They are also far more likely to become trapped in the vehicle. 

If you have a predominantly female (AFAB) driver workforce, it is worth investigating with vehicle manufacturers which vehicles are designed with the safety of female workers in mind. If your driver demographic is largely male (or AMAB), but some are female, it may be that factory adjustments can be made if necessary. 

This is also true for any workers with physical conditions or circumstances which require adjustments. 

Temperature 

It is worth considering the temperatures drivers may be exposed to and what mitigations are most effective. The Met Office predicts that the UK may have greater extremes of both hotter, drier summers and colder wetter winters in future, due to climate change. 

Air conditioning may be most effective in hot conditions, along with sun-screens for periods the vehicle is parked. 

In winter, it is generally considered more effective to heat the driver than the vehicle, for instance, through heated seats.  

Appropriate PPE, as well as season-specific protections, such as sun protection for skin and eyes, or warm clothing and heat pads should be considered.  

Both heat and air conditioning can dehydrate drivers, so ensure they have access to sufficient hydration.  

Ensure drivers understand and have mitigation for touching vehicle surfaces which may be very cold or very hot due to environmental conditions. 

Resources 

Airbag safety, RoSPA: https://www.rospa.com/getmedia/20484c21-9be2-4423-8004-fc664cc3b03d/Airbags-factsheet-feb24.pdf 

Physio Med resource on optimal driver ergonomics: https://www.physiomed.co.uk/uploads/guide/file/21/Physiomed_Sitting_Guide_-_Driving_Digital.pdf 

Euro NCAP vehicle ratings: https://www.euroncap.com/en