Professional hazards of the driver. Occupational diseases of drivers and the rule

Each profession affects a person in a certain way and can make him disabled. The work of the driver is no exception. What kind of occupational diseases of drivers quite often become a problem for those who spend most of their lives behind the wheel? What are they associated with, and how can this be avoided?

Drivers are more likely to develop certain diseases

Many diseases are associated with the fact that for many hours or even days the driver is in a sitting position and practically without movement. And this applies not only to truckers or drivers of public or freight transport. Many big cities dictate their own rules, and the car has already become far from being a luxury, but a direct one. For people, a trip to work due to constant traffic jams can last more than one hour, and, therefore, without traffic every day a common person is sometimes more than 4-5 hours.

Why do drivers get occupational diseases?

We can say that the profession of a driver is a time bomb for human health and life. This happens due to:

too much strong tension muscles of the limbs and trunk;
long working hours;
vibration vehicle;
availability of overtime hours;
responsibility for the lives of passengers;
constant noise;
responsibility for the safety of goods;
work in a sitting position;
the constant need to make urgent decisions;
harmful effects of the working environment;
frequent neuropsychic stress.

The combination of the above factors can cause various occupational diseases of drivers. need to take preventive measures in a timely manner.

The driver's body is constantly exposed to different kind loads

Classification of diseases

Conventionally, all occupational diseases can be divided into 4 groups:

Radiculitis, hemorrhoids, prostatitis, osteochondrosis and other diseases associated with a long stay of a person in a sitting position. All this is due to the fact that blood stagnation occurs in the pelvic organs. men similar diseases threatened with impotence and infertility. A feature in cars like heated seats can hasten and exacerbate these diagnoses.
Cholecystitis, gastritis, pancreatitis, peptic ulcer, colitis, dysbacteriosis and other diseases arising from irregular and inadequate nutrition of the driver during work. Diseases gastrointestinal tract are perhaps the most common among those who for a long time is driving. Many truckers also suffer from excess weight, big belly and polyps in the intestines. Snacking and eating on the go contribute to the accumulation of fat on the chest, hips and abdomen. Changes in metabolism may be irreversible.
Obesity and diabetes - these diseases are caused by disorders in the metabolic system, as well as in a sedentary manner life.
Hypertension, arrhythmia and others cardiovascular diseases. They arise from the impact on the human body of prolonged stress. When the nervous system is constantly in tension, the risk of heart attacks and strokes increases significantly.

Also, the driver is constantly surrounded by harmful toxic substances. Exhaust gases contain more than 200 toxic products. Because of them, a person may begin oxygen starvation symptoms of which are nausea, headache, vomiting, dizziness and high blood pressure. Subsequently, all this can lead to lung disease.

Prevention of occupational diseases of drivers

In order to minimize everything Negative consequences from a long stay behind the wheel, it is necessary. Be sure to stop and stretch from time to time. You can perform simple physical exercises or at least just walk around the car.

It would be useful to equip the driver's seat with a massage cape. It will partially disperse the stagnation of blood in the pelvic area. For those who work as a driver, it is advisable to visit the pool, walk in the park and play sports in their free time.

As for food, you should not eat chips, crackers, chocolate and soda on the road. It is better to take vegetables, fruits, boiled meat, tea, milk or compote with you to work. In some cases, it will be useful to have a full lunch at a roadside cafe.

In order to prevent osteochondrosis, get out of the vehicle every 3-4 hours, squat, bend over and swing your legs. All this will take no more than 3-5 minutes, but will get rid of pain. Such walks also allow you to saturate the body with oxygen and reduce Negative influence toxic substances on it.

In order to reduce the emotional and mental stress, you can from time to time use the services of a psychologist, take sedatives(during non-working hours).

Remember, the work of the driver should not harm your health!

Serviceable equipment and excellent health

As it needs timely technical inspection and repair, and human body requires careful attention. By doing simple physical exercises and eating right, you can prevent heart attacks and strokes, as well as maintain the health of the respiratory, digestive and reproductive systems.

Do not postpone a visit to the doctor if you have health problems. Better on your own early stage to identify the disease and completely get rid of it, than to start the disease and finally lose the ability to work. It is much easier to take timely preventive measures and prevent the formation of an occupational disease of drivers.

A car is not a luxury, but a provocateur of diseases. Video

This is well known to those whose profession is associated with long trips - truckers, taxi drivers, etc. All the more surprising that ordinary people, having bought a car, they practically do not get out of it for days, sitting behind the wheel even in order to go to the bakery on the corner. What it can turn into says the doctor medical sciences Alexey Runov.

Occupational diseases drivers can be roughly divided into three groups.

The first group of occupational diseases of drivers

These are diseases of the pelvic organs due to prolonged sitting behind the wheel, which causes stagnation of blood circulation in the small pelvis. These include radiculitis, osteochondrosis, hemorrhoids and prostatitis.

The second group of diseases of drivers

The second group of diseases is associated with increased emotional stress. Do not believe those who say that driving is resting. In fact, a person, his nervous system is in constant tension, which causes cardiovascular diseases. Drivers often get into trouble heart rate, hypertension, heart attacks.

The third group of occupational diseases of those who drive

The third group - diseases of the gastrointestinal tract associated with irregular and malnutrition during work. But this is more the lot of professional drivers than amateurs.

What should be done to prevent the appearance of these driver diseases and, moreover, their transition to the form? As trite as it may sound, but first of all, diversify physical activity. I'm talking about a daily set of gymnastic exercises, which should keep the heart, blood vessels normal and maintain tone. nervous system.

This is the most common charging complex. But it must necessarily contain circular movements in lumbar spine, all kinds of inclinations, flexion and extension.

Occupational diseases of drivers can be conditionally divided into several groups.
The first is diseases of the spine and small pelvis. They are associated with an uncomfortable functional position behind the wheel, in which long time the driver is located. These include radiculitis, osteochondrosis. This bouquet is complemented by hemorrhoids and, of course, prostatitis, which is the most “representative” disease of this conditionally divided group.

Statistics say that 40 to 60% of men suffer from prostatitis. Different reasons contribute to the emergence of this disease - here both smoking and drinking, but the driver has a priority - stagnation of blood circulation in the small pelvis, and I’m not afraid to repeat it, leads to uncomfortable posture in which a person is constantly driving.
Of course, in comparison with hemorrhoids, prostatitis is more dangerous for a man, and the full-fledged action of this composite organism is most important, since prostate disease, as a rule, leads to the development of impotence.
The second group of diseases is associated with increased emotional stress. Constant stress behind the wheel causes cardiovascular disease. That is why drivers have the most frequent heart attacks, hypertension, heart rhythm failures.
The third group - diseases of the gastrointestinal tract associated with irregular and malnutrition during work. But these diseases are the lot of professionals, mostly truck drivers and, to a lesser extent, amateurs.

By and large, motorists are less susceptible to the listed diseases. It all depends on how much time a person spends behind the wheel and how attentive he is to health.
What needs to be done to prevent the occurrence of diseases, and even more so their transition to chronic form?

No matter how trite it may sound, these are a variety of physical activities, that is, a daily set of gymnastic exercises, which should keep the cardiovascular system, the tone of the nervous system, including blood circulation, normal. There is nothing supernatural in it, in general, this is an ordinary set of gymnastic exercises, the only thing that must certainly be present is circular movements in the lumbar spine, all kinds of flexion and extension. This is especially important when we talk about the activation of blood circulation in the pelvis.
There is nothing better for the prevention of occupational driving diseases contrast shower. And at the same time, there is nothing easier - in the morning after taking a hygienic shower, switch to a contrast one. Moreover, you do not need to immediately rush to the maximum temperature difference, enter this procedure gradually, especially if you have never done it - from cool-warm, bringing the difference over time to the maximum hot-cold, one that the skin can withstand for several seconds. Such a temperature swing activates the blood circulation of the skin, the central blood circulation, normalizes the tone of the nervous system, and stimulates the immune system.

And the final chord of regime preventive measures should be a daily walk. But a walk is not visiting guests, going to a store or a market is just walking. On the day you need to walk about five kilometers for 40 minutes. Whether you do it in the morning or in the evening, it doesn't matter.
These three components are enough to keep yourself in a training mode and activate your vitality. important features organism.

I emphasize especially: everything is good to do on time, it is important to prevent the onset of the disease, and even more so its transition to a chronic form. It is very important to find a doctor who will help you at the stage of microsymptomatics, when minimal changes have occurred in the body or their occurrence is possible. In this case, you can put a person on his feet, which medicine rarely achieves today due to the fact that people turn when, as they say, the edge has come. It is better to go to the doctor “in an empty way”, that is, to play it safe than to end up in a clinic.

Movement is life. Today, for many, movement is driving your car. But that’s not what they wanted to say with this worldly saying. Nowadays, the car has ceased to be a luxury, but has become a means of transportation. Moreover, for many, the car has become an integral part of the work. Taxi drivers, truckers, minibus drivers, etc. cannot imagine life without a car. These professions oblige drivers to be behind the wheel all day. , and what occupational diseases lie in wait for drivers?

Top most common driver illnesses:

Prostatitis. One of the most frequent illnesses male genital area. A sedentary lifestyle is one of the main and most common causes occurrence. Being in a sitting position for a long time, blood circulation is disturbed and a stagnant process appears in the pelvic area, which leads to prostatitis.
Haemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are caused not only by impaired blood circulation in the pelvis. Frequent constipation is the main cause of hemorrhoids in men. Unbalanced diet with insufficient fiber content necessary for work digestive tract, is main reason constipation. Therefore, it is necessary to consume foods containing fiber: fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds.
Osteochondrosis. Caused osteochondrosis in a sedentary manner life and wrong position driving posture.
Radiculitis. One of the most common causes of sciatica is osteochondrosis.
. Absence physical activity contributes to the deposition excess fat. This leads to disruption metabolic processes, after which the situation with overweight worsens even more. Exacerbates the situation proper diet food, part of which is fast food.
Cardiovascular diseases. Men whose profession is associated with constant driving are prone to heart attacks and for two reasons: a strong emotional load and lack of physical activity. Emotional overload is manifested due to the constant tension behind the wheel: you must always be focused and attentive so as not to get into an accident. Absence physical activity contributes to the weakening and atrophy of the heart muscle, which leads to various cardiovascular diseases.
male infertility. Sitting position contributes to an increase in temperature and overheating of the testicles, which interferes with the maturation of spermatozoa and the release of male hormones. The heated driver's seat aggravates the situation, as well as cramped.
Disease of the gastrointestinal tract. Applies to drivers who neglect healthy food and often don't have time to eat properly. For example, truckers.

Prevention occupational diseases drivers

So, what needs to be done in order to minimize the consequences caused by prolonged driving.

The first thing you need to pay attention to is physical activity. When possible, do hiking and play sports. If possible, take breaks. During the break, try to move more and, if the situation allows, do exercises to improve blood circulation in the pelvis:

Circular rotation of the pelvis, first in one direction, then in the other direction
Torso forward with hands touching the floor
Squats
Side bends of the body

If it is not possible to get up, you can do the following exercise: while sitting, we begin to draw in the area between the testicles and the anus, while the muscles of the buttocks should not strain. This exercise is practiced. Exercise is effective for the prevention of prostatitis, as well as diseases associated with blood stasis in the pelvic area.

The second thing drivers should think about is equipping their driver's seat with a special orthopedic mattress.

Prevention of osteochondrosis, sciatica, hemorrhoids, prostatitis
—
-supports correct posture
- Reduces driving fatigue

Remember, prevention is easier than cure. Therefore, it is better to take care of disease prevention in time, otherwise occupational diseases of drivers may appear at any time.

The car is a wonderful invention of mankind. Wonderful - but dangerous, capable of causing significant harm to health. MedAboutMe tells about the diseases that await drivers.

A lot has been written and said about the risk on the roads, and the topic of road accidents and car accidents will remain outside the scope of this article today.

We will talk about diseases that affect even the most accurate and law-abiding drivers who do not violate the rules. traffic. You can call these diseases occupational, but motorists who simply spend too much time behind the wheel can also suffer from them.

Diseases of drivers can be divided into several groups:

Diseases of the heart and blood vessels, metabolic diseases associated with prolonged exposure to stress and nervous tension.
Diseases digestive system caused by the habit of irregular and unhealthy eating.
Diseases caused by lack of physical activity and "sedentary work".
Health problems associated with chronic contact with large quantity harmful substances.

Some of these diseases are predominantly characteristic of professional truck drivers who have to literally live in a car. Others easily overtake non-professional drivers who are so close to their “iron horse” that they prefer not to walk to the bakery after 2 blocks, but to drive a car.

Consequences of stress and nervous strain: diseases of the heart and blood vessels

Driving a car is always stressful and stressful. "Means heightened danger becomes even more dangerous if a frivolous or inadequate driver is behind the wheel. You can drive carefully and prudently, but there is no guarantee that on the road you will not come across a dashing "major", unreasonably confident in his own immortality. In many ways, this is why studies find that most drivers elevated level cortisol - the stress hormone. Stress increases in difficult driving conditions, in traffic jams, and, in the end, is reflected in the state of health.

People who spend a lot of time behind the wheel often suffer from heart and vascular diseases. Emotional overstrain significantly increases the risk of heart attack, development coronary disease hearts.

About 80% of drivers who have worked behind the wheel for more than 15 years are faced with vascular disorders and prone to hypertension.

Truck drivers, taxi drivers and delivery service workers are often forced to work in conditions of tight schedules and irregular working hours, away from home, without being able to eat regularly and properly. Long-term dry food, irregular meals can lead to the development of gastritis, stomach ulcers, colitis and constipation.

An unbalanced diet combined with sedentary work can cause hemorrhoids. Frequent constipation, stagnation of blood in the pelvic area - and now it's ready new patient proctologist.

The combination of an unhealthy diet with a lack of movement causes obesity, and of the most dangerous type: fat accumulates in the abdomen. Obesity and constant stress may lead to the development diabetes 2 types.

Diseases associated with lack of physical activity

In addition to the hemorrhoids already described above, sedentary work and lack of movement can cause prostatitis, followed by potency disorders. Some doctors believe that only 12 hours of continuous driving can negatively affect potency. True, in this case, the body will recover quite quickly. And if a man literally “lives behind the wheel” year after year, then problems will not keep you waiting.

Drivers can also be threatened with infertility. Immobility, tight underwear, a heated seat disrupt the maturation of spermatozoa and adversely affect the ability to fertilize.

But if men prefer to remain silent about the sexual sphere, then drivers often complain about pain in the back and neck, in joints and muscles. And this is not surprising: musculoskeletal system not designed for prolonged immobility in non-physiological posture and vibration load. The situation is aggravated by an incorrectly adjusted seat, and the unwillingness to consult a doctor in a timely manner completes the composition under the motto “Goodbye, health!”. Osteoarthritis and sciatica, once appeared, will remain with the driver forever, from time to time reminding of themselves in the most unpleasant and painful way.

Immobility combined with running air conditioning or a draft from open window gives myositis, most often in the chest and neck.

Drivers of vehicles are constantly forced to contact with huge amount toxic substances. Prolonged exposure to the body of harmful agents leads to a general decrease in immunity, to diseases respiratory system to allergies and cancer.

The most harmful is the exhaust gases that the driver breathes during work, and sometimes during a break. During the combustion of gasoline, more than 200 compounds are formed that have an effect on the body. toxic effect. But the danger lies not only in the exhaust pipe: tires and brake pads are also a source of toxins, and sometimes the transported cargo with which the driver has to come into contact.

How to stay healthy while driving?

If you do not brush off the mount from useful tips and preventive medical examinations, and systematically take care of your one and only body, then it is quite possible to maintain health.

Think about your legs. These are paired, rather long organs with knees and heels, growing from where you sit in the driver's seat. They are designed not only for pressing the pedals of a car, but also for walking, running, swimming. Yes, they may not be as comfortable as the wheels of your favorite car. But nature gave you them, not wheels. And if you do not use them, then, perhaps, the use of wheels will eventually be significantly difficult. So walk, run, swim. As often as possible, preferably every day, but at least 2-3 times a week. If you walk 3-5 km a day, or swim at least a couple of times a week, your health will become stronger.
Eat right. Do not keep nasty things like chips and sweet soda. It is much more useful to take an apple or cucumber on the road, a couple of slices of whole grain bread, a bottle of good mineral water. Take a break for a full meal instead of a fast food snack. Include more grains and vegetables in your diet, less potatoes and fat fried meat. Make sure your bowels do their job in a timely manner.
See a doctor if you suddenly have unpleasant symptoms problems in the body. Wouldn't you like to hit the road if your car is leaking or has a clogged fuel line? Love your body as much as your car. The car can be changed, but with the body you live until death, there are no spare parts for it. Passed inspection - go through and medical examination. After all, the main part of any car always sits in the driver's seat, and safety depends on its condition. Don't avoid preventive examinations, massage courses, rest in a sanatorium.