Car Ergonomics Considerations For The Individual – Short Blog By Osteopath Heath Williams – Principle Four Osteopathy

When it comes to car ergonomics, most of us think only about the drivers seat set up and nothing else. Whilst the drivers seat set up is probably one of the most important aspects to consider, we must not forget about how one enters and exits the vehicle, work postures within the vehicle if performing job tasks and manual handling to and from the vehicle.

At Principle Four Osteopathy / Corporate Work Health Australia, our osteopaths are trained in all aspects of vehicle car ergonomics and are available to perform ergonomic assessments for companies looking to better educate their workforce or for those individuals who are dealing with musculoskeletal complaints that are aggravated by driving their vehicle or working within their vehicle.

Our vehicle ergonomic risk assessment and training services offered include:

Standard Vehicle Assessment

Description: 20-30 minute vehicle ergonomic assessment consultation with the worker.

Requirements:  Worker and vehicle must be present to undertake this assessment.

Who Would Benefit From This Assessment?

  • Workers who are required to drive for their employer.
  • Companies who are looking to raise the awareness and education for drivers to improve their seated work
    posture and educate them on how to set the vehicle up to suit their specific needs.

The vehicle postural assessment report includes:

  • Consultation with the worker regarding any specific issues they have with the vehicle.
  • Assessment of the workers current vehicle set up – sitting posture, entering and exiting the vehicle, working within the vehicle, unloading and loading of the vehicle.
  • Education and advice on how to adjust the vehicle to improve seated driving posture. 
  • Reporting on assessment findings, advice and education given.

Detailed Vehicle Assessment & Report

Description:  45-60 minute vehicle ergonomic assessment consultation and assessment.

Requirements:  Worker and vehicle must be present to undertake this assessment.

Who Would Benefit From This Assessment? 

  • Workers who are required to drive for their employer.
  • Workers with specific musculoskeletal complaints that are impacted by driving the vehicle, working within the vehicle or loading/unloading the vehicle.
  • Companies who are looking to raise the awareness and education for drivers to improve their seated work
    posture and educate them on how to set the vehicle up to suit their specific needs.

The detailed vehicle postural assessment report includes:

  • Consultation with the worker regarding any specific issues they have with the vehicle.
  • Assessment of the workers current vehicle set up – sitting posture, entering and exiting the vehicle, working within the vehicle, unloading and loading of the vehicle.
  • Education and advice on how to adjust the vehicle to improve seated driving posture. 
  • Reporting on assessment findings, advice and education given.

Vehicle Comparison Assessment

Description: 90-240 minute vehicle ergonomic assessment consultation with worker

Requirements:  Worker and 2 or more vehicles to be compared must be made available on the day of the assessment.

Who Would Benefit From This Assessment?

  • Workers who are required to drive for their employer.
  • Workers with specific musculoskeletal complaints that are impacted by driving the vehicle, working within the vehicle or loading/unloading the vehicle where a decision over a suitable vehicle has not yet been made. 

The report includes:

  • Consultation with the worker regarding any specific issues they have with the vehicle.
  • Analysis of the vehicle features (seat, space, storage, entering/exiting) of one vehicle compared to another whilst considering workers specific needs and characteristics.

To book one of our Melbourne City CBD osteopaths for a vehicle ergonomic assessment, please touch base with us by calling 0396709290 or by emailing info@principle4.com.