British Toilet Association: Archived News from the British Toilet Association 

Loos and Lorry Drivers!

Who hasn’t grumbled about being stuck behind a lorry or muttered when they’ve been overtaken by an eager truck? Yet how many of us think about the drivers and their toilet needs? I would venture to say not many. Whilst a large number of us work in an office with toilets easily accessible, the working environment of the lorry driver is the road, with loos – and suitable parking areas – few and far between. Does this have an effect on their health and wellbeing?

Aim of the study
As a member of the British Toilet Association I am carrying out a study to investigate the extent to which the reduced number of toilet facilities may affect the health and wellbeing of lorry drivers.

The study is being conducted to determine the current situation in the first instance, with the ultimate aim of suggesting ways in which the working environment for lorry drivers could be improved. It is anticipated that any proposed actions might also benefit other mobile workers.

Investigation
Interest from lorry drivers’ organisations has been very positive and I hope their members will respond with equal enthusiasm to the questions raised from the list of topics provided.

Every study requires evidence and an exploration of previous research, but initial enquiries suggest that this is not a subject that has been previously investigated medically. Thus a great deal of lateral thinking is being deployed to find any possible relevant papers! If anyone is willing to share their knowledge of any such studies with me I would be most grateful. In the meantime I shall continue investigating this hitherto neglected field of toilet requirements for mobile workers and will be pleased to update you on progress.

You can download a copy of 'Trucker's Toilets UK' from the Campaign to improve the health and wellbeing of lorry drivers (Newsletter 3, September 2013) here ...

Gillian Kemp, MA
gilllian.kemp@ntlworld.com
Management Committee Member
British Toilet Association

10 October 2013