Industry must tackle mental health of LGV drivers

The RTITB has called on the logistics the industry to take action to improve the mental health of LGV drivers, following figures from the Health & Safety Executive showing that half a million workers are suffering work-related stress, depression or anxiety.

It said LGV drivers are particularly vulnerable to mental health problems, with a standard working day usually including long hours of intense concentration, strict time constraints, demanding delivery targets and heavy traffic conditions.

“Statistically, men are less likely to speak up about mental health problems, so suffering in silence is all too common in this male dominated transport industry,” said Laura Nelson, managing director of the RTITB.  “One of the most effective ways to address mental health problems among LGV drivers, and a big step towards recovery, is to talk about them.”

The RTITB has developed a mental health module within its Master Driver CPC module library. This module includes five new sessions: mental health and the workplace, driving and depression, PTSD, driving and anxiety, and bullying in the workplace.