The Diabetes Safety Organisation (DSO), in collaboration with road transport and safety sectors, has unveiled a new Diabetes Safe Driving Action Plan aimed at supporting companies in managing the risks associated with drivers who have diabetes, particularly those living with type 2 diabetes. The initiative comes in response to a growing concern that drivers with unmanaged diabetes pose significant road safety risks, and aims to create a safer, more supportive work environment for those affected by the condition.
Addressing the Rising Risk Among Drivers
The plan underscores the fact that people who drive for a living are twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to the general population. This presents substantial risks when employees are unable to effectively manage their condition while on the job.
The action plan, developed by the DSO in partnership with Driving for Better Business (DfBB) and other road transport and safety experts, provides guidance on how businesses can assist drivers in managing their diabetes, while simultaneously benefiting from increased employee retention and improved overall productivity.
More than five million people in the UK have diabetes, and one in four are unaware of their condition. The presence of diabetes in the workplace is often underreported, and employers are legally responsible for managing the associated risks, even when employees choose not to disclose their condition.
Understanding the Risks for Employers
The risks posed by diabetes in the workplace are significant. Severe hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemic (high blood sugar) episodes can lead to dangerous safety incidents. Studies suggest that for every 1,000 employees, there are an estimated 1 to 3 severe hypoglycemic episodes per month in the workplace.
Additionally, nerve damage caused by diabetes, which affects around half of all individuals with the condition, can impair driving ability. Those suffering from severe nerve damage are at three times higher risk of involvement in driving incidents due to compromised foot sensitivity and driving control.
Despite these dangers, collision data does not track the presence or impact of diabetes among drivers, leaving a critical gap in safety monitoring.
Limitations of Current Medical Assessments
Current medical fitness-to-drive assessments, which are generally not required until individuals reach the age of 45, are limited in scope. These assessments often fail to address the broad range of risks associated with diabetes, including nerve damage and hypos, and are not applicable to those driving grey fleet vehicles.
There is also concern that many individuals at higher risk may avoid medical screening due to fear of job loss or negative stigma attached to their condition, further complicating efforts to keep roads safe.
Creating a Supportive Work Environment
The DSO’s Kate Walker emphasized the importance of employers fostering a supportive environment for drivers living with diabetes. Such an approach not only reduces health risks but also helps companies improve employee retention, enhance road safety, and avoid costly accidents.
Walker stated, “‘Diabetes safe’ driving is achieved when people with diabetes who drive for a living are supported by their employer to manage their condition effectively. This helps improve road safety for all road users and enables people with diabetes to continue driving and working without facing health complications that could lead to the loss of their license or early exit from the workforce.”
A Call for Broader Recognition and Further Consultation
The DSO has called for diabetes to be considered an occupational disease, advocating for recognition from various governmental bodies, including the Department for Business and Trade and the Department for Health and Social Care. They have also stressed the need for additional research into how diabetes affects driving and occupational safety.
The DSO plans to continue consultations with stakeholders across the transport sector, with a report summarizing their findings expected later this year. This collaborative effort aims to shape policy recommendations and secure a safer and more supportive working environment for drivers with diabetes.
Walker concluded: “By addressing these concerns now, we can help ensure the long-term sustainability of the transport sector and protect the health and safety of workers on the road.”
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