The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has welcomed the support for TruckWeek 2010 by rt health fund, the transport and electricity workers’ health fund.
rt health fund has announced an active involvement in the week, which runs from 21 - 27 February and aims to inform and educate the community and politicians about the importance of the trucking industry and its staff, as well as the issues the industry will face in the coming years.
ATA Chairman, Trevor Martyn, said rt health fund’s commitment to driver health was shared by the ATA, and was a key initiative during TruckWeek 2010.
“Along with the important role of trucking, the great careers available and the need to drive safely around trucks, the health and wellbeing of truck drivers is one of the key messages from TruckWeek 2010,” Mr Martyn said.
“Driver health will be one of the biggest challenges facing the industry over the coming years. It’s essential that trucking operators take an active interest in the health of their drivers.
“A recent survey by the ATA revealed that drivers are at a heightened risk of a number of serious conditions including cardio-vascular disease, diabetes and sleep apnoea.
“Responsible trucking operators are using this research to plan ways to make their drivers safer and ensure they are fit for duty.”
rt health fund Chief Executive Officer, Glenn Campbell, said supporting TruckWeek 2010 was a natural step of the organisation.
“As the transport industry health fund we’re pleased to be supporting ATA’s first ever truck week,” Mr Campbell said.
“Keeping Australia’s road transport people well and performing at their best on the roads is vital to a safe and effective trucking industry, and we’re committed to playing a part in helping to make that happen.
“Affordable health cover is so important in helping people keep themselves and their families insured - without the cover, people lose so many options when it comes to their health and wellbeing, and when they work in an industry that is as vital as this one, that’s a risk no one can afford to take.”