Working Conditions Influencing Drivers’ Safety and Well-Being in the Transportation Industry: “On Board” Program
Susan E. Peters, Harrison Grogan, Gesele M. Henderson, María Andrée López Gómez, Marta Martínez Maldonado, Iván Silva Sanhueza, Jack T. Dennerlein
Abstract
The conditions of work for professional drivers can contribute to adverse health and well-being outcomes. Fatigue can result from irregular shift scheduling, stress may arise due to the intense job demands, back pain may be due to prolonged sitting and exposure to vibration, and a poor diet can be attributed to limited time for breaks and rest. This study aimed to identify working conditions and health outcomes in a bussing company by conducting focus groups and key informant interviews to inform a Total Worker Health® organizational intervention. Our thematic analysis identified three primary themes: lack of trust between drivers and supervisors, the scheduling of shifts and routes, and difficulty performing positive health behaviors. These findings demonstrate the value of using participatory methods with key stakeholders to determine the unique working conditions and pathways that may be most critical to impacting safety, health, and well-being in an organization.