In the driving seat - a proactive system for driver and vehicle risk assessments

The Occupational Health Department at Anglian Water Services (AfVS) have for several years been working with the Institute for Occupational Ergonomics (IOE) to develop a proactive system for the management of work related musculoskeletal disorders. A part of this work has been to develop a system of risk assessment for the provision of company vehicles. The IOE and the Occupational Health Department have therefore worked closely with managers and the Transport Department to develop a user-friendly system that minimises the risk of selecting and procuring an inappropriate vehicle for a driver. Such a system is part of a wider strategy for the management of musculoskeletal disorders including early treatment and rehabilitation programmes. This paper will discuss the process of developing the system and the difficulties encountered.