Drivers Urged To Manage Legionnaires' Disease

Leading environmental health consultants, Perry Scott Nash, is urging commercial drivers and transport managers to make sure that their vehicles’ windscreen washer systems contain screenwash to avoid the possible risk of Legionnaires’ disease.

A recent study published by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has reported that windscreen washer water could be behind 20% of Legionnaires’ disease cases in England and Wales. The findings came after researchers spotted that professional drivers are five times more likely to be infected.

Janet Cox, Client Services Director at Perry Scott Nash, comments, “When the water is sprayed onto the windscreen, tiny droplets can enter the vehicle’s interior through the ventilation system and be inhaled.

“Adding screenwash is a simple step to take, which kills the bacteria and could prevent drivers from contracting Legionnaires’ disease. Employers have a duty to manage risks where employees are required to drive at work and this simple step should form part of a company’s driving at work policy and routine checks.”

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