Healthy drivers equal healthy bottom line

Truck operators should not under-estimate the importance of driver wellness as it has major cost implications on their businesses, according to Engen medical expert Dr Greg Kew. “Health is obviously important from a productivity point of view but it has become a critical aspect for business strategy,” he said. “It is therefore never too soon and never to late to start screening drivers. The key objective is to keep healthy people healthy and identify the health risk factors early.” He said when all factors were taken into consideration when drivers were off sick – and this included the recruitment, evaluation and training of stand-in staff as well as the loss of productivity – it could cost in the region of R230 000 to replace a driver.