What are the health issues faced by HGV Drivers?
Musculoskeletal Problems
Drivers are not able to flex muscles as they like due to limited cabin mobility. Sitting in a similar place for long periods of time causes neck and back issues. Due to overexertion, the bodies of HGV drivers suffer from spasms. Also, if the person ignores these types of problems then that can usually lead to musculoskeletal ailments that are usually chronic in nature. There are various aspects that are taught in HGV training before getting particularly into legal driving.
Lung Cancer
It is seen that more than 70% of truck drivers smoke. The lives of truck drivers are generally predisposed to lethal diseases resulting in constant exposure to diesel exhaust gasses. It is generally noticed that smoking helps to keep HGV drivers stress-free, but it also raises the risks that are related to lung cancer. Also, even if the truck driver is not smoking then also they can get exposed to gasoline fumes and a variety of other pollutants that can be a major cause of lung cancer.
Unbalanced Sleep
Weather conditions and a variety of other driving regular driveways are usually not always predictable. Drivers are usually required to push for longer periods that have no set routine. Irregular sleeping patterns can also cause body fatigue. Traffic Problems or inclement weather can disrupt the plans that are forcing them to work late shifts. Therefore, this can affect the drivers’ resting hours and can also cause them to work for longer durations.
Sleep Apnea
Truck drivers experience a variety of health issues because of their constant position, one of them is obesity. The body mass index defines various health conditions. Generally, the fast-food culture and various types of sedentary lifestyles have created a negative impact on various bodily metabolisms which are generally posing serious health hazards.
Also, on-the-go consumption of ready-made fast food from boxes is definitely not a healthy option. Without physical activity, the body will then gain weight and become obese. Some of the HGV Drivers usually eat at restaurants that are along the route, where the food is not healthier when compared to the food that is prepared at home. Coronary illnesses, sleeplessness, type 2 diabetes, and other problems turn out to be some of the additional effects of fat.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Drivers frequently experience some health hazards those are particularly smokers and obese individuals. When sleeping, the person who is affected by this may not be able to breathe. Generally, the airflow is blocked because of the folded-back tongue that is resulting in an inappropriate rest that is making the body tired very quickly. The ability of the body to react quickly is also linked to sleep apnea.
Snoring loudly, daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, restless sleep, irritation, mood swings, anxiety, sadness, memory loss, etc are some of the ways by which the body displays some of the symptoms. Because of the seriousness of the situation, it is important to manage things in the right way so that there are fewer driving diseases. Manage the LGV training to have better driving experiences in the long run.