Health Promotion Program Helps Reduce Risks for Truck Drivers

Nov. 30, 2009
A program incorporating Web-based education and other approaches can help reduce the high health and safety risks faced by truck drivers, according to a study in the November Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (JOEM).

Ryan Olson, Ph.D., and colleagues of Oregon Health and Science University developed a new type of health promotion program for truck drivers featuring a combination of approaches such as Web-based health and driving safety courses, a safe driving competition and motivational phone interviews with health counselors. It was designed to take advantage of the laptop computers and cell phones truckers use to keep in touch while on the road.

The program produced real reductions in health risks: After 6 months, truckers enrolled in the program reduced their weight by an average of nearly 8 pounds. They also improved their diets by reducing consumption of fats and sugar, with a trend toward increased physical activity.

The safety component led to reductions in risky driving behaviors, such as time over the speed limit and hard-braking events, as recorded by on-board computers. Drivers who took extra steps to earn a special safety training certificate achieved even greater reductions in health and safety risks.

Truck drivers are a prime example of the health risks faced by “lone workers” – individuals who spend significant time alone or traveling for work such as pilots, traveling consultants and salespeople and telecommuters. Lone workers often have limited healthy food choices and opportunities for exercise and limited access to workplace health and safety programs. Truckers face specific health risks, including high rates of obesity and diabetes and high exposure to traffic risks.

The researchers made special efforts to design a program that would be appealing and effective for truck drivers. Some components seemed particularly effective, including Web-based health and safety education and telephone interviews with health counselors.

“The approach may also prove useful for engaging other populations of lone workers in health promotion programs,” Olson and co-authors wrote.

JOEM is an official publication of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM).

About the Author

Laura Walter

Laura Walter was formerly senior editor of EHS Today. She is a subject matter expert in EHS compliance and government issues and has covered a variety of topics relating to occupational safety and health. Her writing has earned awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE), the Trade Association Business Publications International (TABPI) and APEX Awards for Publication Excellence. Her debut novel, Body of Stars (Dutton) was published in 2021.

Sponsored Recommendations

Take This Quiz to Find Your Safety Glove Personality

Feb. 28, 2025
What’s your HyFlex®?

Artificial Intelligence: What It Means for Safety and What's Next

Feb. 27, 2025
AI is changing the way many industries do business. Matt Law joins “The Case for Safety Podcast” to share how it’s impacting the safety profession.

10 Things Safety Professionals Should Know About Fire Sprinkler Systems

Feb. 27, 2025
From "The Incredibles" to "Changing Lanes," pop culture is full of myths about fire sprinkler systems. Expert Chris Butts helps set the record straight.

How to Improve Safety and Organizational Culture Through Risk Management

Feb. 27, 2025
By understanding and applying risk management concepts, you can improve safety and organizational culture — often with greater support from leadership.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!