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Southern train driver height

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Yellowcupra

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10 Mar 2016
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Hi all.

Southern have verbally offered me a trainee driver role. Passed the medical and am waiting for a day to be risk assessed regarding my height. I've always told people I'm 6'5 but I came out as 6'4 and a half at the medical. I do have a couple of mates who currently drive and they say I'll be fine. I am tall but I'm in proportion. I'm not overweight. I've heard the risk assessment is not just for cab ergonomics, but to assess whether you will suffer one day from musculoskeletal problems?
Any of you know southern drivers taller than me?! Do I really have anything to worry about?!

Cheers
 
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MrPIC

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You're fine, there's far taller and fatter drivers out there!
 
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JohnFM

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Yellowcupra said:
I've heard the risk assessment is not just for cab ergonomics, but to assess whether you will suffer one day from musculoskeletal problems?
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This is the problem with rumour and speculation; it usually ends up as a pile of nonsense.

No one, absolutely no one, could ever disregard you on a pre employment medical due to "you will suffer one day from musculoskeletal problems" as crystal balls are not used in the medical world. Evidence is used, but BS it not. Whoever said that needs a kick in the testicles.

You may well have an ergonomics assessment done and measurements (called anthropometry) to see if you can sit and reach all the controls OK but that's about it.

As MrPIC says there are other drivers over your height out there. You have nothing to worry about.
 
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Pompy

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9 Nov 2013
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Yellowcupra said:
Hi all.

Southern have verbally offered me a trainee driver role. Passed the medical and am waiting for a day to be risk assessed regarding my height. I've always told people I'm 6'5 but I came out as 6'4 and a half at the medical. I do have a couple of mates who currently drive and they say I'll be fine. I am tall but I'm in proportion. I'm not overweight. I've heard the risk assessment is not just for cab ergonomics, but to assess whether you will suffer one day from musculoskeletal problems?
Any of you know southern drivers taller than me?! Do I really have anything to worry about?!

Cheers
Click to expand...

Congratulations, I wouldn't worry as they know your height from day one however you may have to squat as the PTS requires you to be at least 2.75m from the overheads. :)
 
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Yellowcupra

Member
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10 Mar 2016
Messages
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Really do appreciate the replies. The idea of getting knocked back after 14 months of applications, assessments, interviews and medicals is terrifying. It's nice to read a few reassuring messages. Ta.
 
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Trainguy90

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8 Sep 2016
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Location
London
I'm fairly short and when I got offered the position as a driver, my ex colleagues said they were going to get me booster seat so I could see the :D
 
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Bert and Ernie

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Joined
17 Nov 2012
Messages
195
Depends on the toc Transpennine express used to state you had to be within 5'2" and 6'4"
But it does not state that anymore.
At northern I know of a driver 6'5"
And one of 6'6"
 
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cossie4i

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2 Jun 2014
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314
Location
Somerset
I'm 6ft 7 and a driver. You will find it uncomfortable driving 377s if you have long legs. I'm 36 inside leg
 
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Yellowcupra

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cossie4i said:
I'm 6ft 7 and a driver. You will find it uncomfortable driving 377s if you have long legs. I'm 36 inside leg
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I have a 36 inside leg too. Do you drive 377s? A bit of discomfort is nothing new being tall as I'm sure you're aware. But from a risk assessment/safety point of view do you think I'll be ok? Thanks.
 
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cossie4i

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Location
Somerset
Yellowcupra said:
I have a 36 inside leg too. Do you drive 377s? A bit of discomfort is nothing new being tall as I'm sure you're aware. But from a risk assessment/safety point of view do you think I'll be ok? Thanks.
Click to expand...

I used to drive 375s. I twisted my back because of having to sit sideways. I was off work for a long time. I have never driven one since.
Some units are better than others for leg/knee room because of a different drivers seat fitted.
I would be very careful in what you decide, your health is more important.
 
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