Shawn Mandel, the vice president of safety and risk management at Waste Connections, refers to his 16,000 drivers as “industrial athletes” because of their physical demands, including climbing in and out of trucks and handling heavy equipment.
However, the sedentary nature of truck driving can lead to various health issues such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure, which ultimately affect a company’s profits.
During a recent Truckload Carriers Association webinar, Mandel joined two industry experts to explore ways companies can improve their drivers’ health.
Mark Manera, CEO of Offshift, which specializes in health and wellness programs for the trucking sector, highlighted a study from ATRI indicating that the lack of opportunities for exercise is a major concern for both male and female drivers, ranking as their top two issues.
Connecting with Drivers
Manera pointed out that many benefit packages offered to trucking companies are often generic and not tailored to the unique lifestyles of drivers. “They don’t speak the language of drivers,” he said. Solutions that specifically cater to the trucking industry are more likely to resonate with drivers.
He immersed himself in the industry by visiting truck stops and going on ride-alongs, which helped Offshift create a program focused on common challenges drivers face, including effective exercise routines and healthy eating options available on the road.
The Impact of Health on Business
Mandel emphasized that Waste Connections takes a proactive stance on driver health by collaborating with a third-party wellness organization to educate drivers on maintaining their health. The company incorporates rest and stretching breaks into their routes to mitigate the sedentary nature of the job.
Unhealthy drivers can adversely affect trucking company budgets, leading to costs associated with sick leave, disability claims, and even crashes. Manera pointed to studies showing that obesity increases the likelihood of crashes, with drivers suffering from heart conditions or physical ailments even more at risk.
Ultimately, both Mandel and Manera agree that healthier drivers translate into safer driving practices. The focus is on empowering drivers with the resources they need to maintain their well-being, both mentally and physically. As Mandel stated, the aim is to support drivers throughout their careers to ensure a healthy and sustainable workforce.
