Occupational health and extended working lives in the transport sector

The average age of the working population in the UK is increasing, and people are now more likely to work to an older age. Increasing the number of years spent at work, extending working lives, is something that is evident across many sectors. However, evidence about the implications of working into older age is relatively scarce, and there are gaps in knowledge and understanding regarding the potential health and safety impacts.
The purpose of this study was to gather evidence about the health effects of working into older age, by focusing on the transport and logistics sector. Interviews were carried out with professional drivers of heavy goods vehicles (HGV) aged over fifty, and those who manage or supervise them.