Ryan FowlerLoughborough University has launched a new Driver CPC training module designed to improve the health, wellbeing and road safety of HGV drivers following over a decade of research.
The seven-hour course, named the Structured Health Intervention for Transport (SHIFT), was presented to the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in the UK (CILT(UK)) and other industry stakeholders during a Department for Transport-supported event on 2nd July.
Stacey Clemes, professor of active living and public health at Loughborough University, said the initiative addresses key issues facing drivers, including “long periods of sitting, inactivity, loneliness, poor dietary options, sleep deprivation and long working hours.”
She added that, left unaddressed, these factors can lead to a higher risk of accidents, chronic diseases and reduced life expectancy.
Developed with direct input from HGV drivers and safety professionals, SHIFT includes interactive education sessions, physical activity strategies and practical health advice.
A clinical trial involving 382 DHL drivers found that, after six months, participants took an average of 1,000 additional daily steps, reduced sitting time by 24 minutes, and increased physical activity by six minutes on workdays.
On rest days, drivers achieved 2,012 more steps and 40 minutes less sitting time, with those classified as obese recording an average 2.4kg weight loss.
Wincanton partnered with Loughborough to implement SHIFT across its operations. Since October 2023, more than 5,500 Wincanton drivers have experienced the condensed Short-SHIFT version, with full seven-hour sessions now delivered monthly.
Clemes confirmed that while further research is underway, plans are in place to expand the SHIFT module internationally and extend it to drivers across other transport sectors, including bus, coach, rail and van.
This story first appeared on our sister title The Haulier.
