Driver Health Event Showcases SHIFT Initiative
On Wednesday, July 2, Professor Stacy Clemes, an expert in Active Living and Public Health, organized a Driver Health event in collaboration with the Department for Transport (DfT) and Leicester Diabetes Centre. The purpose of this event was to introduce the ‘Structured Health Intervention For Truckers’ (to be renamed Transport) (SHIFT) driver training module to attendees from the logistics and transport sectors.
Understanding the SHIFT Program
SHIFT is a comprehensive, research-backed initiative initially created to encourage healthier lifestyles for HGV drivers. The program is also being expanded to include bus and coach drivers. HGV drivers often encounter numerous obstacles to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as long hours on the road, irregular schedules, and limited access to nutritious food, frequently leading them to unhealthy options available at service stations. Disrupted sleep patterns and high mental stress from tight delivery schedules further compound these challenges, increasing the risk of accidents, chronic diseases, and reduced life expectancy.
Goals of the SHIFT Initiative
The SHIFT program aims to enhance the health, well-being, and safety of drivers. Built on over a decade of research in behavioral science and occupational health, the outcome is a seven-hour Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) training module. It is mandatory for all HGV and bus drivers to complete 35 hours of CPC training every five years to retain their licenses.
Stakeholder Engagement and Awareness Raising
Professor Clemes has been actively engaging with various stakeholders, including companies, trade associations, and government representatives, to promote awareness of SHIFT and its benefits for both the transport and logistics industries, as well as the broader economy. The University’s Policy Unit is assisting her efforts in connecting with policymakers.
Event Highlights and Discussions
The collaboration with the Department for Transport led to a successful joint event, which gathered numerous stakeholders for a full-day program held at the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine. Key attendees included representatives from Logistics UK, the Road Haulage Association (RHA), various unions, and many logistics companies. The event featured an overview of SHIFT, showcasing its evidence base and practical applications, and offered a one-hour ‘short’ SHIFT session for attendees to experience the module firsthand.
Future Collaborations and Development
The day also included discussions on driver health monitoring, D4 medicals, and NHS health checks. Professor Dan Parsons, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, encouraged future partnerships between Loughborough University, government, and industry to foster positive change. Throughout the day, there were productive discussions and valuable feedback that Professor Clemes and her team will consider for future iterations of SHIFT.
Looking Ahead with SHIFT
Professor Clemes expressed optimism about the day’s events, noting the enthusiasm for promoting driver health and support for the new SHIFT CPC module. She looks forward to further collaboration with policymakers and industry stakeholders to enhance driver health nationwide. A healthier driving workforce benefits not just the logistics and transport sectors but also the broader economy, while simultaneously reducing the risk of road accidents and healthcare costs associated with preventable illnesses. Plans are underway to implement SHIFT internationally and to expand its reach to other transportation sectors, including rail and bus services.
