More than a quarter of the UK’s van delivery drivers sustained a loading-related injury in 2023, according to new research conducted by OnePoll and commissioned by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. Of the drivers surveyed, 88% were forced to take time off work due to the severity of their injuries at work.
The survey, which sampled 1,000 van drivers across the UK, highlights the ongoing challenges faced by operators when loading and unloading their vehicles, even as the number of injuries at work shows a modest reduction. While there has been a 6% year-on-year drop in parcel delivery drivers injuring themselves, the data reveals that the length of time drivers are absent from work due to injuries has risen sharply.
Increase in downtime and financial impact
The report shows that van drivers injured in loading accidents took an average of 5.79 days off in 2023—a 17% increase from the previous year. For 10% of the delivery drivers, the injuries were severe enough to necessitate more than 13 days of absence. With downtime costing businesses an estimated £550 per van per day, these injuries are causing significant disruptions at a time when many UK companies are already under financial strain.
The increasing number of injury-related absences comes as a blow to both individual drivers and the businesses they serve, especially in a commercial landscape where margins are tight and efficiency is paramount. The findings emphasize the need to make the safety of delivery drivers a priority and for companies to invest in the safety and well-being of their drivers to prevent the knock-on effects of lost time and productivity.
Steps to reduce injury risks
Given the rising cost of injury-related downtime, it is more important than ever for van and HGV drivers to be equipped with the skills and tools necessary to minimise risks. Proper manual handling techniques are essential to reduce the likelihood of injury while loading or unloading vehicles. The Health and Safety Executive (https://www.hse.gov.uk/) provides practical advice for ensuring safety during manual handling tasks, such as:
- Plan the lift: Before lifting, check the route for obstacles and ensure it is clear.
- Break the load down: For heavy or awkward items, split the load into manageable sections or seek assistance from a colleague. Use lifting aids when available.
- Engage your legs: Lift using the legs, not the back, to protect the body from strain.
- Avoid twisting: Rather than twisting the back or torso while lifting, use the legs to pivot and turn.
Ensuring that van drivers follow these precautions can reduce the risk of injury, contributing to safer and more productive working environments. Businesses should also consider regular safety training and reviews of equipment and procedures to protect their workforce and avoid costly downtime.
Improvement in weight restriction compliance
While the research paints a concerning picture of the state of injuries at work, there is some positive news. Compliance with legal weight restrictions for vans has improved, with 70% of drivers now adhering to these limits—up from 52% last year. Furthermore, 94% of respondents claimed they are now aware of their vehicles’ weight limits.
This rise in awareness is a step in the right direction for road safety and operational efficiency. Overloading a van by as much as 30% of its gross vehicle weight can result in fines of up to £300, so this heightened vigilance can prevent costly penalties and improve vehicle safety on the road. At a time when businesses are increasingly focused on avoiding unexpected expenses, this improvement offers some reassurance for the future.
The Workers Union says…
“As loading-related injuries continue to pose a challenge to UK van drivers, it is crucial that companies take proactive steps to ensure the safety and well-being of their employees. By promoting safe manual handling techniques and increasing awareness of legal weight restrictions, the risk of injuries can be significantly reduced. This, in turn, will protect both workers and businesses from the financial impact of downtime, contributing to a safer, more productive workforce.”
