MORE than one quarter of the UK's van drivers suffered a loading-related injury last year, with 88 per cent requiring time off work as a result, according to research by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

While these numbers represent a six per cent reduction year-on-year in the number of drivers injuring themselves loading their vehicles, the number forced to take time off as a result of these injuries has increased over the last 12 months, and so too has the duration of absence.

In 2023, van drivers who sustained a loading-related injury had to take an average of 5.79 daysoff work - a 17 per cent ncrease compared to the previous year.

On top of this, one in 10 reported having to take more than 13 days off due to an injury loading or unloading their van in the last 12 months.

VW Commercial Vehicles says with downtime costing companies an estimated average of £550 a day per van, at a time when UK businesses are already feeling the squeeze, this downtime underscores the significant impact that loading-related injuries can bring - both to the individual operator, and the wider business.

As such, it is more important than ever that van drivers are trained and equipped to take the necessary precautions when loading and offloading their vehicles, to minimise the risk of injury.

The Health and Safety Executive says the following advice and help operators load safely.

1. Plan the lift, making sure you know the route you'll take and whether there are any obstacles.

2. Break up the load into manageable chunks, or asking a colleague for support on large or awkwardly-shaped objects, using lifting aids where possible.

3. Engage your legs to lift an object, driving up from a squat or lunge position to protect the rest of your body.

4. Avoid twisting your body when you lift a heavy item. Instead, lift the item and use your legs to turn as needed.

Despite the increase in injury downtime the survey by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles did also reveal a significant improvement in the number of UK van drivers adhering to their vehicles' legal weight restrictions when loading their vans - increasing from 52 per centlast year to 70 per cent, with 94 per cent of respondents now claiming to know the legal weight restrictions for their vans.

Given that overloading a vehicle by as much as 30 per cent of its gross vehicle weight could lead to a fine of up to £300, this improvement in awareness has the potential to not only improve van safety on the road, but also to avoid additional costs to UK businesses.