More than a quarter (28%) of van drivers in the UK sustained injuries while loading their vehicles last year, according to a study by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
While the overall injury rate has fallen slightly compared to the previous year, the severity of the injuries appears to be on the rise.
A spokesperson for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles said: “While these numbers represent a 6% reduction year-on-year in the number of drivers injuring themselves loading their vehicles, the number forced to take time off as a result of these injuries has increased over the last 12 months.”
Drivers needed time off work
The study found that a staggering 88% of injured drivers needed time off work to recover, with an average absence of 5.79 days.
This represents a concerning 17% increase in downtime compared to 2022.
Even worse, 10% of drivers reported being out for more than two weeks due to a loading injury.
Hefty price for businesses
These injuries come at a hefty price for businesses with van downtime costing an estimated £550 per day – which disrupts operations and strains budgets.
VW’s study highlights the importance of proper training and safe loading practices for van drivers.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) offers valuable resources on safe manual handling, including these tips:
- Planning the lift, making sure you know the route you’ll take and whether there are any obstacles
- Breaking up the load into manageable chunks, or asking a colleague for support on large or awkwardly shaped objects, using lifting aids where possible
- Engaging your legs to lift an object, driving up from a squat or lunge position to protect the rest of your body
- Avoiding twisting your body when you lift a heavy item. Instead, lift the item and use your legs to turn as needed.
Vehicle’s weight restrictions
The study also found an improvement in van driver awareness of their vehicle’s weight restrictions.
The number of drivers adhering to legal weight limits increased from 52% to 70%, and 94% now claim to know their van’s weight restrictions.
This not only improves road safety but also helps businesses avoid fines of up to £300 for overloading.