Long-haul truck drivers experience more health
conditions that make illness more likely compared to U.S. adult workers, based
on results from a 2010 national survey of long haul truck drivers.
Long-haul truck drivers reported behaviors that increase their chance
for future health problems.
§ About 7 out of 10 long-haul truck drivers surveyed were
obese (Body Mass Index [BMI] of 30 or higher) – twice the number of U.S. adult
workers that were obese.
§ More than half of long-haul truck drivers surveyed
were current cigarette smokers – over twice the number of current cigarette
smokers among all other U.S. adult workers.
§ Long-haul truck drivers surveyed were twice as
likely to have diabetes compared to all other U.S. adult workers
Work environment can contribute to a higher chance for health problems.
§ Long-haul truck drivers spend most of their time
driving alone. They face challenges such as long hours worked on the job, tight
schedules, and short-time spent at home that can increase stress, fatigue,
sleepiness, and other health problems.
§ Nearly 4 out of 5 long-haul truck drivers drove
alone.
§ Drivers worked an average 60 hours during a 7-day
period. Over 40 hours were spent driving.
THE SURVEY
In 2010, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health conducted a national survey of long-haul truck drivers to better understand the combined effects of these health conditions, behaviors, and work environments on safety and health. The Long Haul Truck Driver Survey questionnaire was designed to focus on factors which may account for a significant burden of occupational ill health and injury among Long Haul Truck Drivers. Topics included: the work environment, work history and driving practices, health conditions and risk factors, health insurance coverage, sleep, and demographics. Truck drivers were eligible for the survey if they: (1) had driven a truck with three or more axles as their main job for 12 months or more, and (2) took at least one mandatory 10-hr rest period away from home during each delivery run. The survey was conducted via personal interview at truck stops throughout the United States. Of the total 5,514 individuals approached by interviewers for participation in the survey, 1,265 completed the personal interview and 960 had height and weight measurements taken.
In 2010, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health conducted a national survey of long-haul truck drivers to better understand the combined effects of these health conditions, behaviors, and work environments on safety and health. The Long Haul Truck Driver Survey questionnaire was designed to focus on factors which may account for a significant burden of occupational ill health and injury among Long Haul Truck Drivers. Topics included: the work environment, work history and driving practices, health conditions and risk factors, health insurance coverage, sleep, and demographics. Truck drivers were eligible for the survey if they: (1) had driven a truck with three or more axles as their main job for 12 months or more, and (2) took at least one mandatory 10-hr rest period away from home during each delivery run. The survey was conducted via personal interview at truck stops throughout the United States. Of the total 5,514 individuals approached by interviewers for participation in the survey, 1,265 completed the personal interview and 960 had height and weight measurements taken.
This study suggests a need for targeted
interventions to meet the health needs of Long Haul Truck Drivers.
§ Obesity has been associated with heart disease,
diabetes mellitus, hypertension, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea
§ Smoking is a strong risk factor for lung cancer,
heart disease, and other diseases.
GLOSSÁRIO
Long-haul
= longa distância
Truck
= caminhão
Survey
= pesquiza
Behaviors
= comportamento
Among
= dentre
Likely
= provável
Spend
= gastar
Such = desafio
Effects = efeito
Risk = risco
Lucinea A. de Melo Leal
My dad is a long haul truck driver and has been doing this for many years. The long hours, tight schedule, and not much time at home are awful. It always caused my dad to miss important events and he is always stressed. He also eats so unhealthy from fast food which caused him to get overweight and heart disease!
ReplyDeleteKourtney Heard @ Hansen & Adkins Auto Transport