A smart solution for healthy drivers

According to occupational health and safety legislation, employers are required to protect the health of their employees. Trône Seating makes this obligation tangible with electrically adjustable driver seats with memory. This reduces back problems and combines legal responsibility with practical comfort for your staff.

Professional drivers are the engine of our economy. Whether they transport goods by truck, drive passengers through the city in a bus, or deliver parcels in a van: they spend a large part of their working day seated. But those hours on the road come with significant risks, especially for the back. More than half of European drivers experience back, neck, or shoulder problems. This is not only painful and exhausting for the driver; it is also a risk that employers are legally required to address.

What is the employer’s legal obligation regarding ergonomics?

Dutch occupational health and safety law clearly states that employers have a duty of care for the safety and health of their employees. This means you must provide a safe and healthy workplace and actively reduce the risks your staff face.

For drivers, this goes beyond seat belts and traffic safety. It concerns the working environment in the cabin: ergonomics. Employers are required to:

Carry out a Risk Inventory and Evaluation (RI&E): This must explicitly identify risks related to prolonged sitting, vibrations, and poor posture.
Take measures in an action plan: If the RI&E shows a risk of back problems (which is almost always the case with seated work), effective preventive measures must be taken.
Provide proper work seats: Regulations require adjustable seat height, seat depth, and backrest, tailored to the individual user.

This responsibility is not optional—it is a legal obligation. Ignoring it can lead to unnecessary absenteeism, reduced productivity, and employer liability in cases of occupational illness.

Why is a driver’s back particularly vulnerable?

The vehicle cabin is a demanding work environment for the body. Two main factors cause back problems:

Whole-Body Vibration (WBV)
Vehicles constantly generate vibrations and shocks, especially on uneven roads. These are transferred through the seat to the driver’s body. Long-term exposure to WBV significantly increases the risk of:

Chronic back pain
Damage to intervertebral discs
Fatigue and reduced concentration

Static and incorrect sitting posture
Sitting in the same position for hours creates static strain on the back. Muscles stiffen, circulation decreases, and incorrect adjustments (such as poor lumbar support) increase pressure on the spine.

In shared vehicles, drivers often have to readjust the seat every time. This constant “search” for the right position causes irritation and complaints.

How do you meet legal requirements with a smart driver seat?

Trône Seating offers a solution that combines legal compliance with comfort: a custom-made electrically adjustable driver seat with memory function.

These seats offer precise adjustments for:

Seat height and depth
Backrest angle
Lumbar support height and curvature
Suspension weight adjustment (for vibration damping)

The added value of memory function

The memory function is essential for vehicles used by multiple drivers. With one push of a button, each driver returns to their perfect ergonomic setting—ensuring immediate comfort and correct posture.

This is not luxury, but a preventive measure that significantly reduces the risk of occupational back problems.

Two ways the investment pays off

Lower absenteeism: Back problems are a major cause of sick leave. Preventing them saves significant costs.
Higher productivity and safety: Comfortable drivers are more alert, less fatigued, and more satisfied—leading to fewer accidents and higher retention.

Ready for a healthier fleet?

Investing in ergonomic driver seats is both good employer practice and legal compliance. Consult your RI&E, request a demonstration, and involve your drivers in the decision. A healthy back is the foundation of a productive fleet.