• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.35-41
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• 2021

Introduction: Training standards for long-haul truck drivers (LHTD) are rapidly evolving in Canada, yet the opinions of the drivers themselves have not been adequately considered. The purpose was to survey LHTD on their work training history and to examine LHTD perceptions of driver training and licensing protocols. Methods: LHTD were recruited across two Western Canadian provinces from seven different truck stops. The sample completed 207 surveys and 67 semi-structured interviews. Results: The average age of the participants was 52.5 ± 11.5 years (range 24-79); 96% were men. Approximately 33% of the LHTD had at least one crash. Those who did not receive formal driver training were significantly more likely to crash than those who had received training. Participants stated that current training standards are inadequate for the industry, particularly for new drivers. According to participants, entry-level curriculums should consist of both classroom and practical training, as well as on-road observation with a senior mentor. LHTD reported that many new drivers are not equipped to drive in various contexts and settings (e.g., mountains, slippery roads). Conclusions: LHTD are not confident in the current training guidelines for novice truck drivers. Revisions to the training curriculum and standardization across Canada should be considered. Practical Application: A federal mandatory entry-level training program is needed in Canada to ensure that all new LHTD ascertain the necessary skills to drive safely. Such a program requires government involvement and input from LHTD to facilitate appropriate licensure and consistent training for all drivers.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.104-113
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• 2015

Background: Given the long hours on the road involving multiple and interacting work stressors (i.e., delivery pressures, irregular shifts, ergonomic hazards), commercial drivers face a plethora of health and safety risks. Researchers goal was to determine whether and to what extent long-haul trucker work schedules influence sleep duration and quality. Methods: Survey and biometric data collected from male long-haul truck drivers at a major truckstop in central North Carolina over a six month period. Results: Daily hours worked (mean = 11 hours, 55 minutes) and frequency of working over government-mandated daily HOS regulations (23.8% "frequently or always") were statistically significant predictors of sleep duration. Miles driven per week (mean = 2,812.61), irregular daily hours worked (63.8%), and frequency of working over the daily hour limit (23.8% "frequently or always") were statistically significant predictors of sleep quality. Conclusion: Implications of findings suggest a comprehensive review of the regulations and operational conditions for commercial motor vehicle drivers be undertaken.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.263-270
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• 2024

Background: Long-haul truck drivers (LHTD) experience disproportionately greater chronic disease risk, which may be influenced by both occupational and lifestyle factors. This study aimed to explore the multilevel factors associated with LHTD's diet and physical activity (PA). Methods: Thirty in-depth interviews were conducted with LHTD in the Southern California border region. Interview questions captured occupational and lifestyle factors relating to PA and diet at multiple levels and were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Emergent themes relating to both diet and PA included time constraints, attitudes and perceived beliefs, and accessibility of environments to engage in PA and healthy eating. Themes specific to PA were weather conditions and flatbed job duties. Themes specific to diet included access to refrigerators/microwaves and social interactions. Conclusion: Findings from this study can inform the development of tailored, multi-level interventions to encourage PA and healthy dietary behaviors among LHTD.