Driver Wellness
Session Objectives
Understand why wellness matters
Manage fatigue and stress on the job
Prevent colds and flu
Avoid crime and violence
Live a healthy, productive lifestyle
© Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1107
Why Wellness Matters
• Many accidents are health related, which
makes wellness an important safety factor
• Being healthy helps you function better on
and off the job
• Wellness keeps you on the job earning a
paycheck
• Preventing illness and disease allows you to
live a more comfortable, longer, happier life
© Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1107
Fatigue
• Increased risk of
making mistake
• Inattention contributes
to 50% all crashes
• Fatigue is factor in
15% of fatal crashes
• Fatigue affects
reflexes, judgment,
concentration,
alertness, and mood
© Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1107
Managing Fatigue
• Get enough sleep
• Eat well-balanced
meals
• Keep cab environment
comfortable
• Take periodic
rest breaks
• Pull over
© Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1107
Stress
•
•
•
•
Sources
Physical discomfort
Contributes to disease
Affects mood and
safety attitude
© Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1107
Managing Stress
• Count to 10 or take
deep breaths
• Listen to music
• Talk about problems
• Maintain a sense
of humor
• Exercise
• Relax
© Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1107
Ergonomics
• Carefully get in and out
•
•
•
•
•
of your vehicle
Use good driving
posture
Adjust your seat
Shift your position
Walk around and
stretch on breaks
Lift and carry heavy
objects properly
© Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1107
Preventive Health Care
• Regular medical exams
and screening
• Eye care
• Dental cleaning
and checkup
• Take medications
as directed
© Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1107
Preventing Colds and Flu
• Avoid direct contact
with sick people
• Keep your hands clean
• Avoid touching face
with unwashed hands
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Get enough sleep
© Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1107
Crime and
Violence Prevention
• Lock your vehicle
• Be careful in parking
lots, rest stops, and
on the street
• Carry a cell phone
and report suspicious
activity
• Don’t get involved
in disputes
• Report any crime
or violence
© Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1107
Wellness Basics:
Which Statements Are True?
Wellness has little to do with your job.
Wellness involves getting preventive
health care.
Unmanaged stress can make you sick.
There’s no effective way to avoid colds
and flu in a job like yours.
Fatigue is a job hazard you can’t avoid.
© Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1107
Wellness Basics
Do you understand:
• The importance of wellness?
• Fatigue and stress hazards
and management?
• The importance of
preventive health care?
• How to prevent colds
and flu?
• Steps to avoid crime
and violence on the road?
© Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1107
Healthy Lifestyle: Smoking
• Lung cancer and death
• Heart disease, stroke,
and emphysema
• Quitting reduces
illness and disease
Millions Have Quit. You Can Too!
© Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1107
Healthy Lifestyle:
Alcohol and Drug Abuse
• Drink in moderation
• Be careful when taking
medications
• Choose not to use
illegal drugs
© Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1107
Healthy Lifestyle: Sleep
• Develop a routine
• Go to sleep and wake
at the same time
• Create a comfortable
atmosphere
• Watch what you eat
and drink
• Get treatment for
persistent problems
© Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1107
Healthy Lifestyle:
Weight Control
• Extra weight can lead
to disease
• To maintain a
healthy weight:
• Eat a nutritious diet
• Get enough
physical activity
• Balance calories
with physical activity
© Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1107
Healthy Lifestyle: Nutrition
• Fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Low-fat dairy products
• Lean meat, poultry,
and fish
• Beans, nuts, eggs
• Water
• Reduction of fat,
cholesterol, salt,
and added sugar
© Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1107
Healthy Lifestyle:
Eating Well on the Road
Eating out
Pick lower-fat
foods and
Pack smaller
yourportions
own meals
Go broiled or
baked
Order a salad or
vegetables
Skip dessert
© Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1107
Healthy Lifestyle:
Exercise
Tips for getting daily
exercise
• Walk around parking
lot, or jump rope
• Park further away
and walk
• Do sit-ups and
push-ups
• Have a routine
for days off
© Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1107
Healthy Lifestyle:
Family Ties
• Call home frequently
• Take pictures of
family and friends
• Make a video or
DVD of yourself
• Plan family activities
• Keep in touch with
friends
© Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1107
Healthy Lifestyle Choices:
True or False?
If you’ve smoked for a long time,
healthwise it’s not worth quitting now.
You should develop a routine that helps
you relax and prepare for sleep.
The only way to maintain a healthy
weight is to eat a lot less.
There’s not much you can do about
healthy eating on the road.
© Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1107
Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Do you understand:
• Why smoking and
substance abuse are
bad for your health?
• How to get good night’s
sleep?
• How to maintain a
healthy weight?
• Proper nutrition and tips
for eating healthy?
• Need for regular exercise?
• Importance of maintaining
family ties?
© Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1107
Key Points to Remember
Wellness is an important factor in your
job and in your life.
Making healthy choices will help you be
safer and more productive on the job.
Good health also contributes to a better,
longer, happier life.
Simple lifestyle choices can help you
improve wellness and live a healthier life.
© Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1107