Mind on the road: Truck-driver wellbeing is a safety system, and an insurable risk
A Quick Summary
No time to read the full article? We get it!
Here are the top take-home points that you’ll want to know about:
- Truck drivers are at high risk of encountering physical and emotional challenges as a part of their role: one in five Australian truck drivers under 35 reports severe psychological stress.
- Having the relevant support for your staff helps inform insurance companies that you’re carefully weighing your risks.
- There are transport-industry-specific supports and research organisations out there, like Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds and Monash University’s Driving Health: they can provide tailored resources that resonate with truck drivers.
How driver wellbeing interacts with your insurance
While reported mental health of drivers does not form part of an insurer’s assessment, positive steps towards managing the risk will be viewed positively when determining premiums. So, it’s not so much reporting on the wellbeing of specific staff members – it’s more having the tools on hand to help should any one of your employees need assistance with their wellbeing.
Steps you can take
Employers know they need to put wellbeing supports in place for drivers – but what support should be available? What do your employees want, and what would actually make an impact?
Here are a few recommendations that could make a big difference in managing the safety risks associated with poor wellbeing.
“With free industry wellbeing resources readily available, there’s never been a better time to prioritise driver health.”
Looking at your risk controls
The very human part of this issue is also often drawn into insurance conversations: insurers want to know that risk controls are in place to prevent accidents that are so heavily correlated with poor driver wellbeing. If you can demonstrate that you’re caring for your workforce, with access to mental health support and physical health support, you’re already on the right track. If you have the information about your EAP or engagements with an organisation like Driving Health or Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds, you are doing your part to achieve a smoother renewal.
“Supporting driver wellbeing isn’t just good for people, it’s a critical step in preventing accidents and reducing risk.”
The final word
Healthy, supported drivers result in fewer mistakes, less downtime, and a stronger business. It’s not just good for people — it’s good for profit, too. The benefits of caring for drivers are well-documented: it’s not just a ‘nice thing to do’. It’s necessary to create a happy, thriving business – and it’s within your reach.
Any questions or looking for advice?
Start a conversation with us – we look forward to hearing from you.
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