Driver Ergonomics 101- Quick Tips for Improving Comfort and Preventing Injury
If you read our previous blog on office ergonomics, you will recall that “sitting smart” and understanding key seating adjustments is fundamental for maximizing comfort and preventing injury. This holds true to anyone with an occupation that involves driving.
When driving any vehicle—semi-tractor, concrete truck, dump truck, emergency service vehicle, delivery vehicle—our bodies are subject to many different forces. Many of these forces can be offset with proper support. Understanding how to adjust your seat should be first on your agenda.
Sit smart and follow these quick tips to improve comfort and prevent injuries:
First, survey what adjustments are available. Know your options!
Seat Height – Choose a height that places the thighs parallel to the floor; avoid having your knees higher than your hips.
Seat Back – Set close to vertical for upright posture and avoidance of slumping.
Lumbar Support – Inflate or turn dial to fill and support the curve of the lower back; adequate lumbar support is key to reduce back strain and effects of vibration.
Seat Cushion Depth – Many trucks have 2 seat pan positions, either forward (deeper, for longer legs) or back (normal). Adjust to support the thighs, leaving the width of two fingers between the front edge of the seat and the back of the knee. This is important to distribute body weight evenly and not impede blood flow at the back of the knee.
Seat Slide – Position the seat close enough to easily reach the gas/brake/clutch pedals, but still leave clearance for the knees under the dash.
Steering Wheel – Many steering wheels have a tilt and telescoping feature; position the steering wheel for a comfortable hand-hold at approximately 9 and 3 o’clock with the elbows bent at comfortable angle.
Armrests – Depending on your occupation and vehicle type, armrests may or may be utilized. Set arm rests at a height to support the forearms without shrugging or slumping at the shoulder.
Air-Ride/Dampener – If your seat has an air-ride feature, turning this on or “unlocking” the seat will reduce the forces and vibrations on the body. The dampener setting will control the intensity of the seat movement you feel.
Mirrors – After you have your seat comfortably set, the last and very important step is to ensure all of your mirrors are adjusted for maximum visibility of your surroundings.
In summary, adjusting the seat, armrests, steering wheel, mirrors, and other features can help you decrease discomfort and improve focus while on the road. If your cab does not have these features, check out these alternative recommendations in the table below.
If you’d like specific recommendations for your fleet, contact us. We’d love to learn more about your job requirements and duties.
About the Author:
Dr. Renee Anderson is an integral part of our onsite and near-site team. She is highly skilled at treating work-related injuries and preventing injuries with prevention programs and job site analysis. Dr. Renee has many years of experience working with fleets and drivers whose jobs require a lot of time on the road. She uses these strategies to help set the employees she works with up for success.