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Feb 21, 2017

TRUCKERS' HEALTH * USA

* New York - Wellness: It needs to be a focus for truck drivers

--- (This story highlights a telling factoid: while the average lifespan for an American is 78 years, for long-haul commercial truck drivers, it’s 61)
... There are plenty of reasons why truck driver wellness is rightfully becoming a more critical industry topic: go here, here and here to examine just a few of them... And drivers themselves are getting more health-conscious, too, as concerns about the negative impact operating a commercial truck can deliver on life expectancy continue to grow... So where the future of truck driver recruiting and retention strategies is concerned, it won’t be solely about pay, home time and operating top-of-the-line trucks anymore; it’ll also be about how to keep them fit and healthy over the course of their careers in the freight industry...
NY, USA - Fleet Owner, by Sean Kilcarr - Feb 17, 2017

Labels: Truckers' Health

Aug 16, 2016

TRUCKERS HEALTH * USA: Cab seat new technologies

* Massachusetts - Cab seat technology addresses driver health concerns

(Video from Fleet Equipment - Feb 17, 2015: The new Bose Ride system II offers a three-position Ride Control selector, allowing drivers to customize their ride throughout the day. For these settings, three Bose control algorithms were developed and extensively road tested to ensure that the Bose Ride system II is effective for more trucking applications, with more drivers, and covering a greater range of road and surface conditions)

--- Driving a truck for hours on end day after day takes its toll on the body, but the engineers of today’s cab seats are doing more than ever to address driver health and comfort concerns. These seats offer an array of features that soothe body aches and pains, reduce vibration and accommodate the range of body sizes. Bose Corp. for example, not only is standard lumbar support available with most seats, there also are optional features that double or triple the support. Seats that can provide heat are common, but some also have ways to help drivers cool down in the heat and draw away moisture... But among the main goals for seat and truck manufacturers is reducing vibration. Drivers experience excessive exposure to whole body vibration... In recent years, a new option has become available. Bose Corp., based in Framingham, Massachusetts, came out with a truck seat that cancels out much of the vehicle-induced vibrations reaching the driver. The seat uses vibration cancellation algorithms that are similar to those used in their noise-cancellation headphones. This seat senses the vertical movements of the truck cab and moves the seat up or down to counteract those movements. Reducing whole body vibration reduces driver fatigue and pain... Most cab seats come with air suspension, which uses a flexible air bellows combined with a mechanical shock underneath the seat to absorb shocks and vibration... Bose Ride seats are available as an aftermarket installation and as an option with new cabs from Freightliner Trucks, a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America. Volvo Trucks also offers Bose Ride seats...
Framingham, MASS, U.S.A. - Transport Topics, by Bruce Lilly - Aug. 8, 2016

Labels: Truckers' Health

Feb 5, 2016

* The mental and physical effects of long-haul trucking * USA: TRUCKERS HEALTH

* California - Nothing will wreck your spinal system like the vibration of the truck bed for hours on end

-- For most people, it’s easy to see 18-wheelers as dangerous beasts. What many don’t consider, though, is how trucking as a profession can quickly become crushing to the drivers themselves... Truck driving is, without a doubt, one of the most brutal jobs a person can do. Across the board, long-haul truckers have higher rates of obesity, diabetes, anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease, divorce, and drug use than the average American... The difficulty of being away from family, do that, if national divorce rate is 3.6 percent, but among truckers it’s an insane 19.5 percent... Their on-the-job fatality rates are a ridiculous 11 times higher than average. The mental issues tend to play off the physical issues and vice versa, churning up a whirlwind of work-related trauma... In terms of physical challenges, sitting upright in a chair, even a thousand-dollar chair, for 10 hours a day is completely brutal on the human body. Truckers are highly prone to musculoskeletal issues, back problems, neck problems, knee problems. The vibration of the truck bed (a constant, low-grade rumble) is murder on the spinal system... For all the external blows to a trucker’s body, it’s their eating habits that are an even bigger concern. Food at truck stops is notoriously abysmal, and truckers don’t have time to leave the highway in search of healthier food—if it even exists in their area. Exercise, too, is, for the most part, non-existent. There simply isn’t time, and, after the workday, truckers are exhausted... Drugs, alcohol, and sex work patronage are all often used as self-treatment options, given the lack of easily found medical and mental health assistance. But the types of drugs preferred by truckers might come as a bit of a surprise. The logical choice would be amphetamines, like speed, which enhance a driver’s ability to stay awake and focused on driving... “I thought it would be more of that, but it was a lot of cannabis—pot—and crack,” Shattell says. “Two drivers actually said that they drive better when they're on crack than without, because they're more aware of their environment. How scary is that?” ... The core issues facing truck drivers haven’t changed in many decades, and there’s seemingly no real way to mitigate the risks involved without a full overhaul of the profession...
North Hollywood, CAL, USA - Pacific Standard Magazine, by DAN NOSOWITZ - FEB 3, 2016

Labels: Truckers' Health

Jan 16, 2016

TRUCKERs' SURPRISING SAFETY DATA * USA, by NIOSH, describes safety risks facing long-haul truckers

* DC - Data from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

-- Truckers and their employers will be interested in some new and possibly surprising safety data from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). (Get the latest here) ... NIOSH is the first to describe truck crashes, work-related injuries, work environments, driver training, attitudes and behaviors...
Among the key findings:
° 73% of drivers surveyed see their delivery deadlines as unrealistically tight, which could increase the likelihood of unsafe actions like speeding, driving while drowsy, or violating hours of service regulations.
° 35% of the drivers reported at least one crash in their career.
° 38% of the drivers reported receiving inadequate training at the beginning of their careers.
° 68% of non-crash injuries involving days away from work for company drivers were not reported to employers.
... The study was based on a NIOSH survey of 1,265 long-haul truck drivers at 32 truck stops across the United States. It’s not just safety—truckers face health risks, too... According to OSHA, workers in the trucking industry experience about 12 percent of all worker deaths, and about two-thirds of fatally injured truckers were involved in highway crashes. Truck drivers also had more nonfatal injuries than workers in any other occupation. Half of those were serious sprains and strains. This may be due to the fact that many truck drivers are required to unload the goods they transport... A previous NIOSH study of trucker health revealed that over two-thirds of respondents were obese, and 17 percent were morbidly obese. In comparison, only one-third of U.S.A. working adults were reported to be obese, and 7 percent were reported to be morbidly obese. Obesity increases the chance for Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, heart disease, cancer, joint and back pain, and stroke... NIOSH also found that more than half of long-haul truck drivers were current cigarette smokers —over twice the rate of smoking for the general working population... These health conditions can disqualify drivers from receiving their commercial driver’s licenses and essentially take away their livelihood...
(Photo source: Cerasis) -- Washington, DC , USA - Safety BLR - January 14, 2016

Labels: Truckers' Health

Sep 9, 2015

TRUCKERS' HEALTH * Australia: Resurgent influenza

* Australia Capitol Territory - HVR calls for patience as FLU hits staff

-- Backlog being tackled but care sought on applications to speed process... The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator says it has fallen foul of Brisbane’s resurgent influenza... The national regulator has advised of workarounds as it struggles with the weight of its responsibilities... "Staff numbers at the NHVR have been impacted in recent weeks by a significant increase in sick leave absences across all program areas due to a flu virus currently being experienced across Brisbane," it advises... Those seeking fast-track approvals are advised to provide any local council route approval with the application to the NHVR and ensure the application is fully completed and payment information is correct...
(Photo: Cases of flu have risen in the past week) -- Canberra, ACT, Australia - ATN - 8 Sept 2015

Labels: Truckers' Health, trucking industry news Australia

Mar 9, 2012

TRUCKERS HEALTH * USA

* Industry asleep at the wheel on costs of obesity to the bottom line

(Photo by Khampha Bouaphanh / The New York Times: Oran Clay, a truck driver, tried jumping rope during driver appreciation day at Texas Star Express, a company he works for, in October)
Kissimmee,FLA,USA -Truck News (CAN), by Lou Smyrlis -Mar 7, 2012: -- When 86% of truck drivers are overweight or obese, what is that costing the industry? ... The answer, unfortunately, is unknown. As Linda Moran, director of business development at the Lindora Clinic pointed out to carrier executives gathered at the Truckload Carriers Association convention, “You know what your fuel and maintenance costs are but you are not tracking your healthcare costs as closely and know where your dollars are going” ... Yet the overweight and obesity rate of 86% in trucking is much higher than the national average in the US which itself is a shocking 66%. There are 3.5 million obese truckers in the US and being overweight and obese is linked to more than 60 medical disorders, including 12 types of cancer. For example, more than 90% of the obese have Type 2 diabetes. Drivers taken off the road due to high blood pressure issues could be off work for 4-6 weeks before they get their condition back in check. Obese women spend $4,879 more on medical costs than average while obese men spend $2,646 more (mainly because men are less likely to visit a doctor) ...

Labels: Truckers' Health

Jan 14, 2012

TRUCKERS' HEALTH * USA

* DC - Medical certification rule to have truckers checking in with DMV

Wahington,DC,USA -Land Line, by Jami Jones -January 13, 2012: -- After Jan. 30, truckers headed off to the state driver’s licensing agency need to have one more piece of paper to stay legal with your CDL – proof of medical certification... A new regulation that goes into effect on Jan. 30 mandates that all interstate CDL holders and applicants provide proof of their medical certification to their home state licensing agency... The regulation, which was published in 2008, will eventually require by Jan. 30, 2014, that the agencies input the proof of certification into the commercial driver’s license information system – dubbed CDLIS by the feds – to give roadside law enforcement access to the certification and CDL electronically... In the meantime, anyone who has a licensing “action,” such as renewal, upgrade, transfer, etc., after Jan. 30 will have to provide proof of medical certification...

Labels: Truckers' Health

Nov 28, 2010

TRUCKERS' HEALTH * South Africa - Healthcare a priority for trucking industry

Truck drivers is now under threat from the impact of poor health and the shortened life span

Pretoria,SA -Engineering News, by Henry Lazenby and Brindaveni Naidoo -19 November 2010: -- Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) reports that the once stable industry of about 70,000 South African truck drivers is now under threat from the impact of poor health and the shortened life span of its driving workforce... MBSA reports that the effects of HIV/Aids can be seen in the constant search to replace drivers lost through high absenteeism, disability or death. The result is trucks are left standing, reducing earning potential or, worse, driving once thriving transport companies to closure and inevitable job losses... In response to the impending crisis, MBSA launched its Trucking Wellness programme, in partnership with various national and provincial role-players. Together with a truck body builder, Trucking Wellness buys and converts panel vans into mobile clinics... The campaign provides treatment and support for truckers and their families, and for sex workers involved in the trucking industry... The roadside wellness centre consists of two modified 6-m containers. One container is fully equipped with medication and staffed by a qualified nursing sister, who provides healthcare and counselling to patients suffering from STIs. A second container is equipped for use as an awareness education and training facility... Twenty roadside wellness centres have been established along the national trucking routes in provinces across South Africa... Trucking Wellness MD Tertius Wessels conclude: “The bottom line is that government cannot do it alone, especially in the trucking industry. Government depends on the industry to move people and goods safely around the country to self-regulate the industry and make recommendations to government for improvements” ... (Picture by: MBSA - MOBILE CLINIC Trucking wellness buys and converts panel vans into mobile clinics)

Labels: Truckers' Health

May 12, 2010

TRUCKERS' HEALTH * USA - Can drugs help drivers stay alert ?

Stimulant drugs have serious side effects that after long-term use might include insomnia and addiction

New York,NY,USA -Fleet Owner, by Jim Mele -May 11, 2010: -- When it comes to staying alert behind the driver’s wheel, “caffeine is a very useful tool,” according to Todd Dawson, vp of the fatigue management company Circadian... The stimulant effect of the caffeine in two cups of coffee lasts five to seven hours, he said... Gerald Krueger, a well-known researcher who is currently putting together a report on stimulants, hypnotics and nutritional supplements for the Transportation Research Board said, his concerns are the “energy boost” products and other nutritional supplements commonly marketed to drivers at truckstops ... Prescription stimulant drugs have much stronger effects than caffeine, but most of the well-known ones such as amphetamines have serious side effects that after long-term use might include insomnia and addiction. However lately there’s been a good deal of attention focused on a new stimulant compound known as modafinil, does boost alertness much like caffeine... (Photo from 3.bp.blogspot.com: truckers health)

* Safety board wants sleep apnea screening for drivers

Baltimore,MAR,USA -Fleet Owner, by Sean Kilcarr -May 12, 2010: -- The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) renewed its campaign this week to broaden the use of sleep disorder screening across all modes of transportation – air, rail, marine, and trucking – as part of long-term effort to significantly reduce the negative effects of fatigue... “Last summer we recommended that all modes begin identifying people with high risk for sleep disorders and guide them to medical treatment,” Christopher Hart, NTSB’s vice chairman, said in a speech here at the Sleep Apnea and Trucking Conference. The two-day event is being hosted by the American Sleep Apnea Assn. and co-sponsored by the American Trucking Assns. (ATA) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)... Hart said, “The good news is that those suffering from sleep apnea can be treated and then return to work. But it’s important that we find better ways to diagnose and treat such sleep disorders” ...

Labels: drugs and truckers, sleep apnea, Truckers' Health

Mar 18, 2010

TRUCKERS' HEALTH * USA - Truck drivers' average life expectancy of 55-57 years

Group tasked with boosting long-haul health of truck drivers

Knoxville,TENN,USA -The Knoxville News, by Laura Bower -March 18, 2010: -- Truck drivers' average life expectancy of 55-57 years is a startling statistic that Dr. John McElligott is trying to change by making physical examinations for America's 14 million commercial drivers more accessible, even taking to the satellite radio airwaves to get his message to truckers... McElligott is president and CEO of Occupational Health Systems Inc., a Knoxville-based provider of the Commercial Drivers License/Department of Transportation certification medical exams required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Office of Medical Programs... The typical commercial driver is a 42-year-old man, 5 feet 8 inches tall and 242 pounds, said McElligott. Only 12 percent are women. Because drivers log an average of 600 miles a day 28 days a month, they tend to consume excessive amounts of coffee and energy drinks, which elevate their blood pressure and affect their ability to sleep. They drive in 14-hour shifts with 10-hour breaks to sleep, eat and refuel... Commercial drivers are prone to strokes, heart attacks, hypertension, diabetes and sleep apnea. While illicit drug use is not widespread, abuse of prescription drugs such as sleeping pills and anti-depressants is common, McElligott said... (Photo by Michael Patrick: Knoxville physician John McElligott performs a Department of Transportation physical Monday for Dewayne Burns, who works for Colonial Trucking, at his Occupational Health Systems clinic on Middlebrook Pike)

Labels: Truckers' Health

Feb 24, 2010

TRUCKERS' HEALTH * USA - Trucking wakes up to sleep apnea

Efforts under way to address condition that adds to fatigue

Road Hazards - Prevalence of sleep apnea among licensed commercial drivers:
■ 17% mild sleep apnea
■ 5% moderate
■ 4% severe
Source: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Washington,DEC,USA -Business Insurance, by Jeff Casale -22 Feb 2010: ... According to a 2002 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration commissioned study, out of 3.4 million licensed commercial drivers, approximately 26% of drivers suffering from some form of sleep apnea. Studies have shown that sleep apnea can severely impact driving performance by greatly increasing fatigue, boosting the risk of crashes... Sleep apnea is a condition in which the airway is constricted due to muscular relaxation while sleeping, with interruptions in breathing lasting several seconds at a time, often accompanied by loud snoring and resulting in nonrestful sleep... In May, the ASAA, FMCSA and ATA will co-host a sleep apnea and trucking conference in Baltimore...

Labels: Truckers' Health

Dec 14, 2009

TRUCKERS' HEALTH * USA - Adequate sleep tied to healthier diets in truckers

New York,NY,USA -American Journal of Public Health/Reuters, by Joene Hendry -Dec 9, 2009: -- Getting plenty of sleep not only helps keep truck drivers safe and alert on the road, it also seems to fuel healthy eating habits, new research hints... In surveys of truckers working at U.S. trucking terminals, those who felt they regularly got adequate sleep tended to consume more fruits and vegetables and fewer sugary drinks and snacks, Dr. Orfeu M. Buxton, at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts, and colleagues found... These real-world findings are consistent with laboratory studies showing that insufficient sleep increases hunger and "induces greater eating, especially unnecessary snacking" ... Buxton and associates assessed self-reported diet, sleep, and job-related factors of 542 male Teamster union members who were 49 years old on average... Sixty-six percent worked as pick-up and delivery truck drivers, 20 percent as over-the-road truckers, and 15 percent served dual roles as dockworkers and truck drivers, they note in the American Journal of Public Health... These well-rested truckers also said they ate an average of about 3 servings of fruits and vegetables (not including French fries), less than one serving of a sugar-added drink, and less than half a serving of a sugary snack daily... The investigators conclude that workplace programs to encourage adequate worker sleep may have positive benefits on employee health... (Photo from jimadler)

Labels: Truckers' Health

Nov 12, 2009

TRUCKERS' HEALTH * Canada - Fatigue program tests put to rest

Calgary,ALB,CAN -Today's Trucking -12 Nov 2009: -- As safety groups and trucking lobbyists continue to battle over hours-of-service regulations, a separate group has quietly been working on a new approach to battling driver fatigue and the results are finally in... Launched about a decade ago, the North American Fatigue Management Program (FMP) wrapped up its third phase of testing and the details are expected to be published this month... Roger Clarke, executive director of vehicle safety and carrier services with Alberta Transportation, says the last version of the report didn't require many changes and should be accepted by Transport Canada as is...

Labels: Truckers' Health

Nov 2, 2009

TRUCKERS' HEALTH * Australia - ATA declares depression awareness initiative a success

Sydney,NWS,Australia -ATN -November 2, 2009: -- The Australian Trucking Association's (ATA) initiative to raise awareness of anxiety and depression has been hailed a success... The group says the involvement of companies such as Linfox and Simon National Carriers to promote BeyondBlue's Anxiety and Depression Month throughout October has ensured many in the industry have gained a greater understanding of the issues... Operators such as Simon National Carriers held a morning tea to raise funds, while organisers of the Newcastle and Hunter Region Road Transport Awareness Day used the last weekend of October to issue information kits to attendees... Those seeking more information on depression and anxiety can contact BeyondBlue at www.beyondblue.org.au...

Labels: Truckers' Health

Oct 21, 2009

Drivers' Health * USA - Regulations for Professional Drivers

Washington,DC,USA -Info War (CAN) -20 Oct 2009: -- The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) is currently discussing tightening the health regulations for professional drivers who work for FTL and LTL carriers around the country... Although the agency is stressing that no rule changes are imminent at this stage (a final decision is said to be several years away), this is an important issue that both domestic and ocean freight forwarders should be taking note of. Depending on the changes that are instituted, there could be a major impact on the hiring practices of the trucking industry as a whole... After discussion with medical experts, the FMCSA is planning to update their regulations regarding a variety of health conditions, from sleep disorders to cardiovascular diseases. While tighter standards will improve safety, it will also mean that there’s a smaller pool of qualified drivers to select from. More difficulty hiring drivers could mean higher instant freight quotes for customers... (Photo from 3.bp.blogspot: Sunset from a truck cab)

* USA - Lawmakers tackle distracted driving, texting

Washington,DC,USA -Land Line Magazine, by David Tanner -October 20, 2009: -- Hearings on distracted driving are scheduled to begin next week as Congress considers legislation that would ban text messaging and e-mailing while driving... The Senate Commerce Committee has dubbed its hearing “Combating Distracted Driving: Managing Behavioral and Technological Risks.” It is scheduled for the afternoon of Wednesday, Oct. 28... The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association supports a ban on texting while behind the wheel of a moving vehicle, but the Association is also calling upon government entities to take the opportunity to educate the motoring public about driving around large trucks... Eighteen U.S. states currently have laws that prohibit text messaging while behind the wheel, and legislation is in the works in several others. Restrictions in some states include a ban on phone use unless the driver is using hands-free technology... In Canada, Ontario is the fourth province to ban texting for drivers. Quebec, Newfoundland and Nova Scotia previously enacted bans. Other provinces are in varying stages of development with legislation... (Photo from Volvo)

Labels: rules and regulations, Truckers' Health

Oct 10, 2009

TRUCKERS' HEALTH * USA - Study: Truckers Trailed By Risky Behaviors

Albuquerque,N.M.,USA -Drugs.com -Oct. 9, 2009: -- Prevention programs for long-distance truck drivers may help reduce risky behavior that can lead to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV and hepatitis C, say U.S. researchers... The researchers stationed mobile clinic vans at a trucking terminal in Albuquerque, N.M., and at 10 truck stops throughout the state. Of the 652 truck drivers who took part in the study, 54 (8.5 percent) tested positive for hepatitis C... Alcohol consumption is a strong independent risk factor for the progression of hepatitis C-associated liver disease, the researchers noted. This risk factor could be reduced through patient education and behavior change, they said... (Images.mirror.co.uk: truck driver)

Labels: Truckers' Health

Oct 1, 2009

TRUCKERS' HEALTH * USA - Study: High rate of Hepatitis C among truck drivers

Santa Fe,New Mexico,USA -The New Mexico Free Press, by Brad Buck -1 Oct 2009: -- A New Mexico Department of Health survey of long-haul truck drivers shows there are high rates of hepatitis C infection among truck drivers, many of whom are not aware they have the disease. The Department of Health conducted a study that was published in the American Journal of Public Health on Sept. 17 of risky behaviors and infection prevalence among truck drivers between 2004 and 2006...

Labels: Truckers' Health

Aug 26, 2009

STUDY * Australia - Depressed drivers more likely to crash

Research: Many truck drivers suffer from depression and they are up to six times more likely to have an accident if they are depressed

Brisbane,Queensland,Australia -abc.net.au, by Dina Rosendorff -August 25, 2009: ... The work is exhausting, lonely and stressful so it is little wonder that a recent report into the mental health of truck drivers found that the transport industry takes a heavy toll on its employees... An author of the study into truck drivers' mental health, Professor Harvey Whiteford from the University of Queensland, says deadlines are one of the driving forces behind on the job stress... Mark Colvin of The Australian Trucking Association, wants drivers screened for depression when they undergo drivers' licence medical tests... It's written to the National Transport Commission which is reviewing medical guidelines for drivers and rail workers... But the submission has angered the Transport Workers Union and the Mental Health Council of Australia... They say the move would provoke discrimination and wouldn't do anything to help improve the stressful conditions which drivers face... The National Transport Commission expects to introduce its revised medical guidelines next year... (Picture from thefuntimesguide: Oversized loads truck driver)

Labels: Truckers' Health

Aug 19, 2009

PANDEMIC * Canada - Truckers want to be ready in case of

Planning needed to protect supply chain, association says

Halifax,Nova Scotia,Canada -The Chronicle Herald, by TOM PETERS -Aug 18, 2009: -- The role of the trucking industry in dealing with a flu pandemic is expected to be a key topic at the annual meeting of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association in early October... Health officials fear cases of the H1N1 virus could rise dramatically this fall, which will place demands on key industries such as transportation... The association’s concerns follow meetings that association executive director Peter Nelson, had in New Brunswick with health officials that indicated various committees and teams were in place to deal with a pandemic. But Mr. Nelson said that it did not appear that the private sector, including the transportation industry, was ready for a swine flu pandemic... With a late-year pandemic a possibility, other factors could come into play to accentuate a bad situation, so the worst-case scenarios are being considered. Unexpected snowstorms, coupled with a regular flu outbreak, could add to problems with the supply chain...

Labels: Truckers' Health

Jun 29, 2009

Depressed Truckies * Australia - 'As lethal as drunks'

Study: Depressed truckies are as dangerous on the road as drivers with a blood alcohol level over the legal limit

Sydney,NSW,Australia -The Sydney Morning Herald, by Leesha McKenny & Jennie Curtin -June 28, 2009: -- University of Queensland researchers found that unlike stress or anxiety, severe depression in heavy vehicle drivers increased the risk of an accident more than fatigue. "Depressed drivers are equally hazardous as alcohol-impaired drivers," the study said... Based on a survey of 1324 truck drivers, it found many were unaware they were heading off on long-haul trips with the equivalent impairment of a person with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08... The co-author, Michael Hilton, said mental health problems in long-haul truck drivers could be made worse by the lack of access to medical support... Using National Road Transport Commission figures, the study found "there could be 10,950 impaired, at-risk drivers operating heavy machinery at high speeds". One in five deaths on Australian roads involves a truck, Australian Transport Safety Bureau figures show... The Transport Workers Union plans to use the findings to lobby for more government funding for services such as a phone-based mental health line for truck drivers... (Photo: Glenn Campbell - Stressful lifestyle . . . long-haul truckie Steve "Steady" Halse)

Labels: Truckers' Health