Tip Sheet: Managing COVID-19’s Impacts on Driver Stress

Details

• Corporate Authors:
  Washington (State). Department of Labor and Industries
• Description:
  Even during normal operating conditions, truck drivers experience job stress from many sources. As the COVID-19 outbreak interrupts business as usual, it may intensify job stress for drivers as the uncertainty and risk it causes build up pressure. Drivers may face drastic changes in schedules, routes, workloads, and services as the disease impacts more areas. Not knowing how to protect yourself and where to get medical help can also raise concerns. As these new worries stack up, truck drivers may feel stressed out for longer periods of time. Prolonged, unmanaged stress can impact a driver's mental and physical health, diminishing their awareness and readiness on the road. COVID-19 fears may intensify these top stressors among truck drivers: Extended social isolation. Abrupt schedule changes, long detention times, and tight deadlines. Hours-of-service rules compliance. Traffic delays and adverse road and weather conditions. Road rage and fear of violence. Vehicle noise, equipment vibration, and temperature extremes. Transporting hazardous freight. Signs and symptoms of job stress include: Fatigue and sleep problems. Digestive problems. Weight gain. Anxiety, headaches, and depression. Memory and concentration issues. High blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Social withdrawal. Workplace violence. Alcohol or drug abuse. Signs and symptoms of job stress include: Fatigue and sleep problems. Digestive problems. Weight gain. Anxiety, headaches, and depression. Memory and concentration issues. High blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Social withdrawal. Workplace violence. Alcohol or drug abuse. TIPS TO LIVE BY: Management: Make sure your safety program has a stress management and training plan. Share the latest coronavirus prevention and treatment information with drivers. Provide drivers with hand sanitizer and disinfectants. Foster work-life balance for drivers as much as possible. Encourage taking rest breaks and getting enough sleep. Keep vehicle maintenance program performing at top level. Arrange safe lodging accommodations for drivers when needed. Provide ergonomic equipment and well-fitting PPE. Drivers: Stay connected with family and friends. Eat healthy food and stay hydrated. Stretch often and have a physical exercise routine. Meditate and take deep breaths. Listen to relaxing music or natural sounds. Maintain personal hygiene. Keep your doctor and management informed about any health concerns. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Automobiles Diet Disinfectants Occupational Health Personal Protective Equipment Preventive Medicine Safety Sleep Viral Diseases
• Keywords:
  Disease Prevention Diseases Equipment Maintenance Equipment Operation Equipment Operators Equipment Reliability Hazards Injuries Injury Prevention Motor Vehicles Personal Protection Personal Protective Equipment PPE Preventive Measures Preventive Medicine Protective Measures Safety Equipment Safety Measures Stress Truck Drivers Trucking Viral Diseases Viral Infections

  More +
• Publisher:
  Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Cooperative Agreement
• Genre:
  Fact Sheet
• Place as Subject:
  OSHA Region 10 ; Washington
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Pages in Document:
  1
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20059309
• Citation:
  Olympia, WA: Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, 90-138-2020, 2020 Apr; :1
• Contact Point Address:
  SHARP Program, TIRES Project, Department of Labor & Industries, PO Box 4330, Olympia, WA 98504
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2020
• Performing Organization:
  Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
• Peer Reviewed:
  False
• Start Date:
  20050701
• Source Full Name:
  Tip sheet: managing COVID-19's impacts on driver stress
• End Date:
  20260630
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:7ee48cfe638534f06dcb62be7dd0f37fbbde7e79a5b0c50959817d171893ac8c4e8faf5d8ec80648d2392907f359be103a5fae2ecb24fc59e2027a8ca7ba2799
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/223579/cdc_223579_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 635.29 KB ]