OHS Awareness NSW Taxi Operators - NSW Taxi Industry

Exercise
Since taxi drivers spend most of their working time sitting, their opportunities for exercise
while working are limited. It is therefore important that drivers balance this with regular
exercise. Exercise, if carried out properly, can increase health and fitness.
Regular exercise can be of many forms —walking, jogging, going to the gym or playing
sport. It helps keep you fit and you may find you feel a lot better when driving. Aerobic
exercise such as fast walking or running increases your heart rate. It can also help you
lose weight when taken with an appropriate diet.
It's best to find the exercise that suits you most. It doesn't have to be an exercise or sport
that is over strenuous.
It's also a good idea to get out of the taxi-cab when you take regular breaks and walk
around and stretch.
Gyms and health clubs can be useful sources of information in organising a fitness
program.
Before undertaking any new vigorous exercise program you should get a medical checkup
from your doctor.
Smoking
Smoking can affect the length of your life and it's quality. Smoking has been implicated as
a factor influencing heart disease and stroke. It can also contribute to lung cancer and
emphysema.
As a Taxi Driver it may be particularly tempting to smoke to while away the time between
fares. Apart from health reasons it's also an expensive habit.
Cutting down or giving up smoking is not always easy if you're addicted. Most doctors and
local health authorities can give you advice. There are now many programs run by
hospitals to help you give up.
Remember that you must not smoke at any time in the taxi, even if you have no
passengers in the cab, it is against the Regulations. Passengers must not smoke in the
taxi and you are entitled to ask them to put out their cigarettes.
OHS Awareness for NSW Taxi Operators: Information Guide
NSW Taxi Industry Association Page 62