I too had acar driver who was of the impression that his foot problem would
be better and les painful if he drove a subaru imprezza instead of his
company peugeot, needless to say HR and the fleet team put paid to that
idea, advisig he would have to make up the difference from his salary if
they leased one ofr him, he soon changes hiis mind.
Sufing being good for back pain ??? I wander if this is recognised by pain
management clinics.
FCA and look at capability and see how soon he recovers.
Cath F
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tracy Turner" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, November 24, 2011 11:18 AM
Subject: [OCC-HEALTH] Car driver - back pain
Your advice please
I have an employee who reports a long history of back pain and percieves
that the company vehicle exacerbates the condition. I assessed him in the
vehicle and he was using a 2inch cushion to help manage the symptoms. This
made him higher and therefore had a blind spot with vision. It was
recommended that he had an alternative vehicle and he had many to chose
from. All reportedly hurt his back after 20 minutes driving. Then he was
allowed to go above his allowance and found a vehicles which did not hurt
his back VW Transported. As this is a van and not a car it is not permitted
by the company. Please also note that the individual does report to surfing
as is improves and strenthens his back and this is an ideal vehicle to carry
surfing equipment (am I being synical). I gave HR a list to go by when
chosing a car which would be suitable;
Car selection checklist
Test drive Yes
Have you test driven the car? •
Has the test drive lasted at least two hours? •
The seat
Does the driver’s seat have independent tilt adjustment? •
Does the driver’s seat have independent height adjustment? •
Are the seat adjustment controls easy to use? •
When you have adjusted your seat are you able to reach the pedals without
stretching? •
Does the back rest reach your shoulders? •
Does the back rest provide support along the length of your back? •
Is your lumbar curve supported without any points of pressure or gaps? •
Do you have enough leg and head room? •
Does the seat length put pressure on the back of your knees or calves? •
Is the head restraint positioned close to your head? •
Is the head restraint height near the top of your head? •
Are you able to get in and out of the car easily? •
The steering wheel
Is the steering wheel centrally located? •
Does the steering wheel have the following adjustment features: •
In/out? •
Up/down? •
Tilt ? •
Do you have full view of the display panel? •
The pedals
Are the pedals centrally positioned? •
Is there a left foot rest? •
Is there plenty of room for you to rest your left foot? •
The boot
Does the car have adequate boot space for you to store equipment or other
items? •
Are you able to easily access your boot without obstruction, for example,
from the parcel shelf, or the boot lid itself? •
Does the boot have a low or flat sill height? •
Does the boot have a narrow sill depth? •
Does the boot have handles to facilitate closing? •
The car Verso Toyota ticked all the boxes but after 15 minutes in it the
employee is saying his back pain has returned and he needs a cushion. In
myopinion I dont think he should be driving at all but he is ademant he can
in the old car with the cushion or in the VW Transporter. I keep going round
in circles with this one as we all seem to be. Should in your opinion it
shoudl now just be left to HR to sort out?? Or can I get any more
professional help to assist regarding car ergonomics?? Any help as always
appreciated. Thank you.
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