THE CAR AND TRUCK FLEET AND LEASING MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE
Over the years, work trucks have evolved into mobile offices equipped with a variety of in-cab devices, however, these devices and equipment take space, creating an increasingly cramped cab, restricting the body movement of a driver, which can potentially lead to ergonomic injuries.
Leg cramps, back pain, and muscle spasms can strike at any time, including when a driver is behind the wheel. When it happens on the road, certain physical issues can be downright dangerous.
Procurement underperforms in cross-collaboration initiatives with other corporate spend categories, such as Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) and supply-chain management. A key collaboration opportunity is in the area of fleet safety.
When testing a fleet vehicle, you first need to determine whether it can fulfill various fleet applications. Next, assess the variables that influence the total cost of ownership, determine safety ratings, and evaluate driver ergonomics.
The way drivers sit in their vehicles and assessing upfits for fleet utilization can help fleets determine ways to improve the physical well-being of its drivers.
Tennant Co. allowed employees to vote on the type of crane that would be implemented into the company’s fleet. Using a crane to assist with heavy lifting helped curb employee back injuries.
Lighter-weight truck and van equipment, more standardization, and ergonomic planning should improve the process and delivery timing of the upfitting of commercial vehicles in 2017, according to fleet management experts.
There is a direct correlation between high driver morale and high driver productivity. The converse is also true. The hidden cost of low driver morale has a direct bearing on a company’s bottom line. While low morale is an HR/management issue, and even though fleet managers do not control driver salaries, there are actions that fleets can take to help increase driver morale.
As more fleets are able to take their work on the road, custom upfits are providing a more comfortable and efficient workspace for employees — from portable desks to executive lounges with TVs, storage areas, and conference space.
Improper lifting, pushing, pulling, holding, carrying, or throwing is the leading cause of workplace injury. There are steps fleets can take to improve workplace ergonomics.