Asthma, Driving and Filters.

[Vidvid]

I drive a Mercedes Sprinter truck for a well known UK company. I discovered they do not fit an air intake filter ( also known as a pollen filter) to their vehicles. If fitted it stops 100% of pollen and 90% of other pollutants. They tell me it is not a legal requirement. The exhaust from the vehicle in front , pollen , etc. enter the air intake and into my cab unfiltered straight into my lungs. I've bought my own filter but my employer wont allow me to fit it. They regard it as tampering.

In any other work place this would not be tolerated. There are over twenty agencies responsible for policing the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. None are responsible for my workplace. Legally my company have requested I drive a vehicle which is poisoning me and if I refuse I will be dismissed. My solicitor agrees this is wrong but legally I can do nothing about it.

My company employs thousands of drivers who are not aware of this problem. The symptoms of hayfever, triggered by pollen, are the equivalent of a driver having a blood alcohol level of 0.5mg with regard to diminished ability. Sneezing,sore watery eyes etc. This puts everyone at risk. Yet it is legal.

Mercedes recommend fitting the filters but they are optional. Mercedes sprinters are used for hospital patient transport,school children transport,public transport and the transport of goods.

I've written to my MP (just before they called the election) and he is investigating. I suggest if anyone is enlightened by this they do the same and help make people aware online, in the media and in the pub. Which is where I'm going to drown my sorrows