Vehicle Ergonomics: The Overlooked Risk in Workplace Wellbeing

By Loraine Perkins, Owner / Co-Founder, DSE Assessments Ltd

When we talk about workplace ergonomics, the conversation typically centres around working with a computer at a desk. But for thousands of employees across the UK, the most important workstation they use isn’t a desk at all… it’s the driver’s seat of a vehicle.

Mobile and field-based workers spend hours each day in cars and vans, yet vehicle ergonomics remains one of the least understood (and most underestimated) risk factors in workplace health and safety.

The Road to Discomfort

Driving, especially for long distances or as part of a daily routine, places unique and repeated stress on the body. Unlike a desk setup, vehicle cabins offer limited scope for personalisation. Seat shapes, pedal positioning, cabin height, and access to controls are fixed by the manufacturer and not tailored to individual needs.

This becomes a concern when you consider the cumulative effect of:

• Static posture for extended periods
• Whole-body vibration from the road
• Repetitive foot movements on pedals
• Limited adjustability of lumbar support or headrest
• Reaching or twisting to access controls or boot space
• Long journeys without sufficient comfort breaks

The result? A gradual build-up of strain that can lead to musculoskeletal issues such as lower back pain, shoulder tightness, hip discomfort, and neck tension. According to the HSE, over 543,000 workers suffer from work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) annually, and it’s clear to see how time spent in ill-fitting vehicles can add to this growing problem.  

Ergonomics Behind the Wheel: A Silent Priority

In our experience, organisations are increasingly aware of desk-based ergonomic risk, but far less confident when it comes to assessing and addressing discomfort linked to driving. This is especially true in sectors with large field-based or sales teams, where vehicles serve as both transportation and mobile offices.

While comfort is often considered a matter of preference, in an occupational health context it becomes a matter of prevention. Some of the recurring themes we’ve observed in workplace vehicle assessments include:

• Drivers unable to achieve a neutral seated posture due to seat depth or angle
• Poor leg support leading to fatigue and poor circulation
• Steering wheels positioned too far or too high
• Boot designs requiring awkward lifting and twisting
• Cabin access posing challenges for drivers 
• Regular eyesight testing.  Are prescription glasses required for driving and are they suitable to view the road and instrument panel clearly

In many cases, discomfort goes unreported because it’s seen as “part of the job” or a personal issue. But discomfort, if left unchecked, reduces concentration, increases stress, and contributes to avoidable absence or even vehicle incidents.

Choosing the Right Vehicle: A Shared Responsibility

Vehicle selection is often driven by fleet efficiency, fuel economy, or ESG considerations, but ergonomic suitability must also factor into procurement decisions. Facilities managers and fleet teams can work together to assess whether current vehicles support the physical needs of their workforce.

Key ergonomic criteria to consider when reviewing or replacing fleet vehicles include:

• Seat adjustability: Vehicle models can differ greatly in terms of seat adjustability. Can the driver achieve full contact with the seat while reaching the pedals and steering wheel comfortably?
• Cabin height and entry: Are drivers ducking or straining to enter and exit?
• Boot access: Is it easy to lift and retrieve equipment without over-reaching, stooping or twisting?
• Interior layout: Are commonly used controls and storage ergonomically designed and within safe reach?

In one recent assessment project, we evaluated multiple vehicle models for a national sales team, scoring each against ergonomic criteria to inform fleet replacement. The differences between models were significant, and often overlooked by spec sheets alone.

Practical Steps for Improving Vehicle Ergonomics

For organisations looking to strengthen their vehicle ergonomics strategy, here are five starting points:

1. Start with Awareness

Encourage employees to report discomfort early. Discomfort that seems minor today may be a signal of long-term strain building up.

2. Offer Guidance on Setup

Simple training or checklists can help drivers adjust mirrors, seats, and steering correctly. These small tweaks can make a big difference.

3. Assess Before You Procure

If you’re reviewing your fleet, involve Health & Safety professionals in the process. A few models may look similar on paper, but differ drastically in comfort and usability.

4. Support with Equipment

Consider investing in approved posture cushions or lumbar supports where necessary, especially for drivers who report recurring discomfort.

5. Keep It on the Radar

Include vehicle ergonomics in your regular DSE or Health & Safety reviews. It’s just as vital as desk setup in terms of supporting your workforce.

In the age of hybrid working and evolving workplace health strategies, it’s easy to focus attention on the office environment or remote workstation policies. But field-based employees are equally at risk, and less likely to be monitored or supported consistently.

Discomfort is not an inevitability of the job. With better awareness, smarter vehicle choices, and a commitment to ongoing assessment, organisations can work towards minimising the risk of the physical toll on their mobile teams. Facilities professionals are uniquely placed to lead this shift. By incorporating vehicle ergonomics into your broader workplace wellbeing strategy, you demonstrate a holistic commitment to safety, performance, and employee care.

Because when work is on the move, your support strategy should be too.