Fleet managers will be anticipating the results of a three-year study examining the link between lower back pain and absenteeism for at-work drivers, which are about to be published by Loughborough University.

Currently, over two-thirds of high-mileage fleet drivers complain of back pain while behind the wheel..

Masterlease gave Dr Diane Gyi and Dr Kate Sang access to hundreds of fleet drivers, who cover more than 25,000 miles a year, for the BUPA Foundation sponsored research.

Its objective is to reduce back problems highlighted in a previous study by Dr Gyi, which revealed 65% of business drivers reported lower back trouble, 43% complained of neck trouble and 40% suffered with shoulder problems.

However, the current research will not consider specific marques and their impact, instead focusing on driver behaviour and how drivers use their car.

Dr Sang said: “We will publish findings later in 2009, but in the meantime drivers wanting to learn about correct posture or lifting of heavy equipment from their cars should visit www.drivingergonomics.com.”

Peter Tatlock, managing director of Masterlease, added: “This is such an important area of research because it goes to the heart of risk and HR issues, both of which are key to the increasing workload of fleet managers.”