When I say that lorry drivers are not appreciated much for their work in our society, I mean every word of it. Food deliveries, medical equipment, fabric, and many basic everyday usage products are carried through lorries, trucks and other heavy goods vehicles. But before you apply for the license of a fully-loaded vehicle, LGV Medicals is necessary.
What is LGV Medicals?
LGV stands for large good vehicles. Drivers who drive heavily loaded vehicles need a medical examination and certification that proves them fit and healthy for driving it. Once the medical checkup is complete, the same doctor fills up the D4 form and the candidate can now apply for LGV license.
It is to be taken every five years, however, after the age of sixty-five it must be taken annually.
The medical checkup consists of basic medical examination and routine tests that help the doctor to decide if you are fit for driving. The checkup takes no more than 15 minutes, including the eye test.
Why is LGV Medicals needed?
LGV medicals is essential for the driver’s own safety and those traveling on the road. Driving for hours can cause multiple health risks associated with the driver, thus LGV medicals is a complete report that gives both the state and the driver a complete picture of his bodily functions.
Due to the heavy traffic, drivers go through increased stress to deliver the packages on time. Stress, constant vibration, and night shifts can give rise to certain health concerns. These factors can give rise to serious conditions which makes LGV medicals so important.
Risks for Large Goods Vehicle Drivers
LGV drivers drive heavily loaded vehicles for hours due to this reason a number of different diseases and health-concerning factors are seen in many individuals.
Fatigue
As most heavy goods are delivered at night and at odd hours, drivers are on the night shift. Sometimes the journeys are long from one town to another, this can lead to lack of sleep which is the commonest cause of fatigability. Moreover, night shifts mean poorly illuminated vision that can also lead to visual discomfort.
Musculoskeletal disorders
It is a widely accepted fact that driving a lorry or truck is not an easy task. The large-sized engine, tonnes of mass, and weight of the vehicle is not easy to handle. Sitting behind the wheel in the same position for hours can lead to musculoskeletal pain. This includes both joints and muscles that you constantly put pressure on during driving.
On the other hand, constant vibration for several hours over the years leads to the likelihood of HAVS (hand-arm vibration syndrome).
Pollutants and Lungs
Sometimes LGV drivers are stuck in traffic for countless hours. This exposes them to Carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, and other irritating gases. At first, these cause sore eyes, headaches, cough, asthma, and even bronchitis.
However, increased exposure to polycyclic hydrocarbons can lead to life-threatening diseases such as Lung or bladder cancer.
Help at ZOHL
Zosh Occupational Health has its name on the Best Driver Medicals list. We have some of the friendliest doctors that are ready to guide you through the whole procedure. ZOHL is ready to take weekend appointments for those who are busy throughout the week. Moreover, it has the Best Driver Medicals rate across England.
What to bring with you on the test day?
Once we confirm an appointment with you for LGV medicals, what are the essentials that you must bring along?
- Photo ID
- Copy of Medical history
- Glasses/ contacts (it’s okay if you forget, we will run an EYE test for you)
- Medical condition/medicines prescribed
- Blank mediated D4 form (can be printed from the website)
Don’t hesitate to get a new LGV Medicals or renew the old one from ZOHL. Our centers all across England are ready to facilitate you at any time. Get your driver’s medicals with ZOHL TODAY!