Health and Safety Risks for Long-Haul Truck Drivers
Long-distance commercial truck drivers face significant health and safety hazards linked to their work conditions.
Lack of Knowledge on Health Promotion Programs
There is limited information regarding effective health promotion initiatives that support the occupational health, safety, and wellbeing of commercial motor vehicle drivers.
Research Collaboration
Dr. Mamdouh Shubair, an Associate Professor at the School of Health Sciences at UNBC, leads a collaborative research project involving the University of Saskatchewan, University of Waterloo, Transport Canada, and SafetyDriven, the Trucking Safety Council of BC.
Funding and Survey Creation
With funding from WorkSafe BC, the research team has developed two online surveys—one targeted at truck drivers and the other for trucking companies.
Importance of Surveys
“Both surveys are crucial as they will provide insights into truck drivers’ lifestyle choices and how they can maintain their health,” stated Dr. Shubair. “Additionally, the data will shed light on what trucking companies are doing to promote a healthier lifestyle among their drivers.”
Aims of the Research
The surveys aim to collect data regarding health, safety, and wellness practices, including safety training and the wellness programs available; employee engagement strategies; and the effectiveness of these programs.
Understanding Organizational Policies
The researchers also seek to explore how health, safety, and wellness program policies vary between large and small carriers and to identify challenges and facilitators for implementing such programs for long-haul drivers.
Survey Participation
Participation in both surveys is voluntary. The truck driver survey can be accessed at: Driver Survey. The employer/manager survey is available at: Employer Survey. Both surveys will remain open until January 2, 2019.
