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Truck driver health issues spark aid program

OzHelp mental wellbeing project ‘Health in Gear’ to commence pilot phase

 

The OzHelp Foundation is basing a new owner-driver wellbeing pilot program on its latest review that draws on national and international research findings into the poor health outcomes of truck drivers.

OzHelp has been supported by the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI) to develop a health and wellbeing program for owner-drivers.

The ‘Health in Gear’ program will shortly start its pilot phase and is informed by the findings of the review.

OzHelp’s literature review finds the sedentary nature of the occupation combined with poor diet and a lack of exercise puts drivers at a higher risk of obesity and developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, mental-ill health, and cardiovascular health issues.

Truck drivers are subject to constant time pressures, long shifts, tight deadlines and isolation which can lead to depression, anxiety and sleeping disorders.

Nationally truck drivers represent the second highest occupational group, after construction workers, at risk of suicide.

On average, truck drivers work 49 hours per week, compared with the average working week of Australians which was 32.3 hours in 2019.

Long work hours have an adverse impact on social connection, which also impact on mental health outcomes.


RELATED ARTICLE: Alarm over Monash University truck driver health report


OzHelp CEO Darren Black says the review was the first step in developing program for drivers.

“The constraints under which drivers operate have a direct bearing on drivers’ physical health and wellbeing and there is a genuine desire from the driving community for things to change.”

“Drivers are exceptionally resilient and have a special strength of character.

“Many have been incredibly open in sharing the challenges and contributing to the design of the upcoming program.”

Key themes for Health in Gear have been identified along with the nature of program interventions, and possible delivery methods.

The interventions will focus on ‘Wellness in small chunks’ – a series of practical tools and tips to support health and wellness for owner drivers through diet and exercise, sleep, connections with family and friends, financial wellbeing, on-the-job pressures and the owner driver community.

The program will offer flexible delivery through a digital platform, face to face, telephone, or face to screen support, and collaboration with other services and organisations working in the mental health and wellness space.

Black says the program aims to provide support, with evidence-based solutions to improve health and wellbeing.

“This is an incredibly important project that we are well placed to deliver. 

“Our long history in working with hard to reach and at-risk male workforces gives us a baseline understanding of the barriers to seeking help and behaviour change,” he explains.

“The project is central to our purpose and with industry action like the recent launch of Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds, we are confident of the desire to create an improved framework for drivers.”

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto says the health and wellbeing is critical to improved safety outcomes.

“The HVSI provides funding to implementable, value-for-money projects that focus on improving road safety,” Petroccitto says.

“Life on the road can be very tough on the mental and physical health of drivers and focusing on what we can do to support better health outcomes is a key priority for the NHVR. 

“Healthy drivers are safer drivers. Projects like this that address the specific health challenges faced by drivers are critical to improving the overall wellbeing of our industry.”

The review was drafted by Michelle Jones, and edited by Dr Meg Perceval and Dr Doris Kordes, OzHelp Foundation. Dr Coralie Wilson from the University of Wollongong provided advice on the content and structure.

It is available here.

 

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