Success Stories in Creating Driver Health Initiatives and Programs

As a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is challenging. Due to the nature of the job, CMV drivers face an increased risk for health problems often associated with a poor diet and a lack of exercise.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average life expectancy for a commercial truck driver is 61 and high blood pressure is one of the primary health risks facing commercial drivers.

This comment, from a FleetOwner article in 2013, is a daily reality for drivers, but “there are a lot of statistics out there that connect driver wellness and driver safety,” Matt Bordonaro, spokesman with Travelers’ Claims and Risk Control group, told Fleet Owner. And some fleets are responding with Driver Health Initiatives and Programs.

Promoting Health & Wellness through Drug and Alcohol Testing Can Decrease Insurance Premiums & Other Costs

Before talking about a successful fleet program, let’s talk statistics. Regardless of the industry, employee substance abuse results in higher health care expenditures for illnesses and injuries, driving up your insurance premiums. Studies show that drug abusers use up twice as many medical benefits as their coworkers, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The American Council For Drug Education adds that substance abusers are directly responsible for health care costs that are three times higher than the national average.

Generally, substance abuse costs U.S. employers more than $276 billion each year, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). The costs stem from lost productivity, workplace accidents, and increased health-care and insurance costs, so it makes sense to do whatever you can to keep your workplace drug-free.

Not happy with your TPA or don’t have a consortium? CleanFleet is a Best-In-Class TPA with the experience, training, staff, and certifications/accreditations needed to handle your company’s Drug Testing Program. You can call them today at 503-479-6082.

Is the trucking industry responding to the statistics?

Bison Transportation is helping keep drivers Safe and Healthy

In Las Vegas on March 9, 2016, the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) wrapped up its Annual Convention by presenting its prestigious National Fleet Safety Awards to the two safest truckload carriers in North America. Bison Transport of Winnipeg, Manitoba was one of the 2015 grand-prize winners. In fact, according Bison Transportation’s website, they are the only carrier to win the prestigious Grand Prize TCA ‘Best Fleet to Drive for’ award five times in a row!

Among their best-in-class safety program is Bison’s response to driver health. Bison believes that investing in health and wellness is an important aspect to having safer drivers.

According to Truckload.org, Bison’s “Wellness for the Long Haul” program provides many resources, from truck seats that vibrate less, to on-site fitness equipment and healthy food options, to confidential assistance with personal issues.

For a large company, Bison manages to add a personal touch to many of its activities; for instance, the driver development scheduler makes a healthy soup or chili for drivers in her weekly orientation class. (Not only do the drivers get a homemade meal, but they are encouraged to eat healthy while on the road.)

Bison has even partnered with Healthy Fleet with their Step Challenge. The Healthy Fleet Program began in the Trucking Industry with a 13 week Intense Weight Loss Pilot Program on in 2013.  The program ran for a 6 month period and the results were tremendous: 491 Pounds Lost, 9.8 Pounds Lost On Average, 30 Different Fleets Participated, 51 Drivers Participated.

In August 2016, Bison had 24 drivers in the Step Challenge. Together they took over 5.4 million steps (2,718 miles) and burned over 250,000 calories.

For a driver, it is difficult to stay healthy on the road, but there are those who are doing it right. We at CleanFleet are encouraging drivers to stay healthy and stay safe!