Structured Health Intervention For Truckers (SHIFT)

HGV driving is considered a high-risk occupational group. The working environment for HGV drivers can make it easy for them to fall into unhealthy habits, such as long periods of sitting, low levels of physical activity and short sleep, which can harm their health.

Experts from Leicester Diabetes Centre (LDC) and Loughborough University have developed a health behaviour programme, called the ‘Structured Health Intervention for Truckers’ (SHIFT).

How does it work?

The SHIFT programme is designed to promote positive changes in physical activity, sitting and diet in HGV drivers. Evidence from a 2022 research study shows that the programme provides meaningful improvements in drivers’ physical activity, potentially leading to longer-term health benefits. Research also showed that managers and drivers recommend SHIFT should be included in Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) training.

The programme offers:

  • Group-based interactive education sessions, focussing on physical activity, sitting, sleep, mental health and healthy eating

  • Practical advice and skills for a healthy lifestyle A variety of physical activity options that drivers can implement, including a 'cab workout' which can be undertaken in the passenger seat during rest breaks

  • CPC module of 7 hours, or a 1 hour introductory option that can be incorporated into an existing CPC module

Of the drivers who participated in our research, we found:

  • 67% with high cholesterol

  • 28% with high blood pressure and 51% with pre-hypertension

  • 88% were overweight or had obesity

Results:

Activity and sitting across all monitored days (primary comparisons):

Greater changes in behaviours were observed on non-workdays:

Drivers with obesity (n=44) had a greater intervention response (versus controls with obesity [n=51] at 6-months)

 

Feedback from HGV drivers:

“One of the guys set up a drivers community page on the Fitbit app and currently there are 10 of us on there, regularly posting progress updates and supporting each other’s efforts. Two of the guys have now broken the 2 stone weight loss point which is amazing and others are being far more active and getting great results (including myself, I have started running again and hit 10 lbs weight loss) this in itself proves what an excellent programme SHIFT is!”

“It’s been interesting & enlightening, hopefully you and your team have added a few years to my life and others with the results of your research!”

Wincanton case study

In 2023, UK logistics firm Wincanton partnered with the LDC and Loughborough University to deliver the SHIFT programme for its 5,400-strong driver workforce.

Jo Pick, People Director at Wincanton, added:

“At Wincanton, it’s a priority to equip all colleagues with the tools, skills and knowledge to ensure they are happy, healthy and safe.

“Whether that be working as a driver, or at one of our warehouses, or at home with their family and friends.”

For more information, contact us today

 

CONTACT US TODAY!

Fill in the form across or contact us by phone 07870 812461 or email us ldcimplementation@uhl-tr.nhs.uk.