WORK taking place in Northamptonshire to support the UK’s HGV drivers with their mental health and wellbeing has been highlighted at a national conference.
The nation’s drivers commonly suffer anxiety, depression and stress in the course of their job. Physical health can also be affected by the sedentary nature of their work.
HGV driving involves challenges such as high-pressure delivery demands due to the shortage of drivers and, for those crossing to mainland Europe, the long queues at ports as a result of Brexit.
Add to that the long periods of isolation on the road away from their family and being on the receiving end of the public’s hostility and impatience and the need for support is only increasing.
North Northamptonshire Council has been working with road service operator Welcome Break and the Road Haulage Association to support the wellbeing of drivers, trialling initiatives at its Rothwell Truck Stop.
The council’s community and wellbeing, environmental health and public health teams have organised a series of health and wellbeing events at which drivers are given the opportunity to speak to the team, use body composition scales, have their blood pressure checked and have conversations.
That initiative was named a finalist at last year’s MJ Awards and the council has hosted an online HGV Drivers health and wellbeing conference to highlight the issues.
Cllr Gill Mercer, the council’s executive member for adults, health and wellbeing, said: “HGV drivers are the lifeblood of the UK industry and with drivers being in such short supply, maintaining a strong and healthy workforce to drive the haulage industry is essential to success.
“We hope showcasing the impact of our initiative and others to stakeholders from across the UK may provide inspiration and motivation to make facilities a better place for HGV drivers. “
Speaking at the conference were professors from the Universities of Northampton and Manchester, Cllr Matthew Binley, executive member for highways, travel and assets at North Northamptonshire Council, officers from its public health, community wellbeing and environmental health teams, representatives from the Road Haulage Association, Kettering MIND and Welcome Break.
Council leader Jason Smithers said: “It is well established that HGV drivers are exposed to a number of health-related risk factors such as shift work, long periods of sitting, which contribute towards chronic conditions and I am delighted that NNC have been so prominent in leading this work.
“The welfare of drivers’ health and wellbeing is a key issue for not only existing drivers and employers but also for supporting to increase recruitment and retention to the profession.”
Jane Bethea, North Northamptonshire’s director of public health, added: “The previous event received national recognition with the work being Highly Commended at the MJ Awards and the team have built on this success with this year’s event.
“It was wonderful to hear so many people from all over the country talking about North Northants Council being a leading light in this area of work. We were described as innovative and forward thinking, which is exactly what we want to be known for.”
RESULTS OF THE WORK AT WELCOME BREAK ROTHWELL TRUCK STOP
- Cycle and walking routes from the site.
- Exercise session plans for the gym are being implemented.
- Suicide awareness training for Welcome Break staff has taken place, this gives people the skills and tools needed to have open conversations about mental health.
- Nutritional recommendations and influencing behaviour changes. The menu at the Truckstop has added the option of healthier sides including fresh vegetables and new potatoes.
- Welcome Break has provided a room at the site to use to promote health and wellbeing of HGV drivers.
- Reaching out to logistics forums, Logistics companies face a shortage of qualified drivers with too many drivers losing their HGV licences long before retirement age because of ill health. These companies will notice the benefit of supporting lorry driver health in the long term.
- Resources available.
- An area has been added to display health and wellbeing leaflets and resources.