Functional Capacity Evaluations

Family Physiotherapy Centre of London has partnered with Atlas Ergonomics to provide comprehensive Transportation Services.

The trucking industry has one of the highest injury rates of all private industries. In general, 7 out of every 100 drivers are injured each year. An injury affects the driver and their family in a number of ways. First, the physical pain and discomfort makes life more difficult and frustrating. Second, an injury limits their ability to participate in recreational activities, raise a family, and enjoy life. Finally, an injured driver is typically off work on average nearly 70 days, impacting their income.

The industry urgently needs to reduce the risks of accidents, injuries, and constant turnover. Fortunately, Family Physiotherapy Centre and Atlas have an answer.

Sitting on the solution

Odds are, you've already invested in ergonomic seating. The next step is unlocking its full potential--to reduce discomfort and fatigue, and to keep your drivers safe and satisfied. We can start to unlock that potential with a cab ergonomic assessment.

This unique system starts with coaching drivers to avoid discomfort. Then it goes much further, to:

• Tailor trucks to individual drivers' needs.
• Label and number the individual adjustments(seat height and depth, pan tilt, steering wheel depth, mirror angle etc.) *Depends on the type of seat, please ask for more details.
• Provide on-site assistance to propose further changes within the cab, ergonomically fit the driver to the cab (truck, bus, etc.) and to prescreen complaints prior to medical intervention.
• Provide a Fit Report to the individual and an Ergonomic Cab Assessment report to the company.

For Example

Whole body vibration (0.5 Hz to 80 Hz) may occur in workers who regularly operate: Trucks, Buses, heavy equipment, forklift trucks, trains, helicopters, fixed wing aircraft and ships. The three main sources of whole body vibration from heavy equipment are: 1) Low-frequency vibration caused by tires and terrain 2) high frequency vibration from engine and transmission and 3) shock from running into potholes or obstacles. Whole body vibration is transmitted through the buttocks of a seated person. Short term exposure can cause abdominal pain, chest pain, headaches, nausea, and loss of balance. Long term exposure can cause degenerative spinal changes, lumbar scoliosis, disc disease, degenerative disorders of the spine, herniated discs, and disorders of the gastrointestinal system. It is recommended to limit the whole body vibration that: 1) Maintain equipment in sound working order. A good suspension system and correct tire pressure will help to reduce vibration. 2) Use specially designed cushions with vibration-reducing material. 3) Retrofit with seats incorporating hydraulic dampers and shock absorbers specifically built to reduce WBV. 4) Reduce travel speed over rough terrain such as shale or rock. 5) Try to get out of your vehicle every one to two hours for a few minutes to stand, stretch, and give your body a break from vibration. 6) Proper adjustment of the seat to support the spine.

For more information on trucking ergonomics and how we can help your clients reduce discomfort and the long term effects of whole body vibration email us at TransportationServices@FPClondon.com.

Proven Results

Within one to three months of implementing the entire Atlas Transportation system, employers have seen driver-reported discomfort drop by over 70%, reducing potential injuries inside and outside the cab. More than 90% of all drivers reported reduced fatigue and improved awareness, productivity, and job satisfaction.

We also can monitor an entire fleet of drivers discomfort on an ongoing basis, measuring progress and identifying drivers with higher risk.

If you are looking to book a individual cab ergonomic assessment or discuss transporation services for an entire fleet, please feel free to email us at TransportationServices@FPClondon.com.