GREEN BAY, Wis. - Truck drivers, the people who deliver our food, cars and clothing, have one of the most dangerous jobs in America, accounting for 15 percent of U.S. work-related deaths. That's only counting the accidents.
They also are more at risk than average Americans for a number of health problems. Obesity is rampant. Many don't bother to wear seatbelts because their stomachs get in the way; one in four has sleep apnea; half of them smoke.Krueger said trucking companies need to do more to foster better health among employees, whether it's to reduce health care costs or hang on to employees in an industry where turnover is high and shortages growing.
An Associated Press spot check of companies revealed these initiatives:
• Celadon Group Inc. has stationed nurses at its main facility in Indianapolis and encourages its 3,200 drivers in the country and Canada to get blood pressure and cholesterol checks. The company says it has helped trim its $10 million annual health care bill.
• Melton Truck Lines Inc. replaced sodas in the Tulsa, Okla., headquarters vending machines with green tea, water and diet drinks. It also offers a weight-loss series.
• Con-way Freight of Ann Arbor, Mich., saw annual claims for Workers' Compensation plunge 80 percent and lost workdays drop 75 percent in Los Angeles after its trial of a wellness program.
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