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Evaluation of Best Practice Programs to Improve the Health and Wellness of Truck Drivers in BC

Author(s): Bigelow, Crizzle, Shubair, Thiffault, Galavan

Slidedeck Presentation Only (no paper submitted):

3B - Bigelow

Abstract:

Truck drivers are exposed to occupational hazards as well as working conditions that make it difficult for them to adopt a healthy lifestyle. These factors lead this occupational group to suffer from high rates of chronic disease along with high rates of injury and fatality. The health of drivers is associated with fatigue and collisions which injure both truck drivers and other road users. We are collaborating with SafetyDriven (an organization funded by WorkSafeBC to promote health and safety in the transportation industry) to collect data on current truck driver health, safety and wellness (HS&W) programs, as well as policies and other HS&W practices in freight transportation companies.

- To develop and test a survey that is administered to transportation companies that obtains information about their programs that address HS&W of drivers
- To describe the prevalence of HS&W programs available to BC truck drivers
- To examine the program elements of existing HS&W programs and identify gaps based on recommended elements of the NIOSH Total Worker Health Program (widely recognized as the most effective approach to improving employee HS&W) and health components of the North American Fatigue Management Program
- To exam the characteristics of companies that have implemented comprehensive HS&W programs
- To examine the facilitators and barriers to the implementation of HS&W programs in transportation companies

Interviews with key stakeholders, development of a questionnaire that is completed by managers/owners of trucking companies, pilot testing of the questionnaire, administration of the questionnaire to a census sample of trucking companies in BC, and data analyses are the key methods used.

We have developed a survey that collects data on HS&W programs and program elements. Preliminary findings indicate that response rates from large and medium-sized transportation companies will be acceptable and we will have a sufficient sample size for the planned data analysis. The focus of the data analysis is on the prevalence of companies offering programs, how the elements within the programs compare to elements of the NIOSH Total Worker Health Program and the North American Fatigue Management Program, and addressing research questions pertaining to the characteristics of companies who report implementing comprehensive programs and what motivates companies to adopt programs to improve the health of truck drivers. Findings from the study will identify what HS&W programs and resources are available to truck drivers in the province and what are the facilitators and barriers to companies in their adoption. Our research team will be working with SafetyDriven and other stakeholders in the transportation industry to identify best practice HS&W programs available to drivers. Knowledge translation activities will include using social media and other avenues to promote the development and adoption of best practices in HS&W in the industry. By encouraging the adoption of effective HS&W programs across the transportation sector, truck drivers will gain access to needed programs and resources that will improve their health, safety and wellness which will result in improved road safety though a reduction in fatigue-related crashes.