Take Home Messages

Workplace health promotion programs, involving weight loss and safe driving competitions between teams of employees, and education on diet exercise and safe driving, have the capacity to improve the health and wellbeing of truck drivers.

Why the research matters

Truck drivers have high rates of fatality, injury and lifestyle-related health problems.  Effective health promotion programs have to capacity to improve the health, lifespan and quality of life of truck drivers.

What the research involved

This study looked at the effectiveness of a new program which aims to improve the health of workers who spend a significant amount of time working alone. 29 truck drivers from four companies in the USA participated in a 6 month program.

The program involved a weight loss and safe driving competition between teams of drivers, computer-based education on diet, exercise and safe driving, and counselling to encourage and assist drivers to change their behaviours (motivational interviewing).

Participants underwent a two hour health assessment at both the beginning and end of the program. Employers provided information about the safety of the participant’s driving from engine records.

Summary of research findings

By the end of the program:

• 90% of participants had lost weight;
• On average, participants reduced their body weight by 3.5kg (7.8 lbs);
• Participants had significantly reduced their dietary fat and sugar consumption;
• Participants were exhibiting significantly safer driving; and
• Participants showed some improvement in the motivation to exercise and in fitness levels.

Original research

A new health promotion model for lone workers: results of the Safety & Health Involvement For Truckers (SHIFT) pilot study.
Olson R, Anger WK, Elliot DL, Wipfli B, Gray M.
J Occup Environ Med. 2009 Nov;51(11):1233-46.

Link to PubMed abstract