Work

Occupational Health Risks at Truck Stops: Evaluating Service Gaps and Safety Needs for Long-Haul Drivers

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Interest in improving roadside services for long-haul truckers’ health, safety, and well-being has led to an effort to describe the services offered at truck stop/rest areas. This study aimed to describe services offered in truck stop and rest areas and to determine, based on what was available, their implications for the health of long-haul truck drivers. A systematic and structured direct observation of thirteen truck stop and rest areas was undertaken within one state in the US on a major north–south interstate highway from October 2023 to June 2024. The categories of services observed included food, physical activity, rest, personal hygiene and health, and safety. A descriptive analysis of the data was performed. Seventeen visits were carried out in 13 truck stop and rest areas. All sites offered paved parking areas, with lighting and signage; 92% offered internet access; more than 85% offered food, safety, and personal hygiene services; 69% offered laundry services; 54% had a convenience store and hotel nearby; and 15% had green/natural areas with benches. The services offered at the truck stop and rest areas in this study meet the basic needs of food, personal hygiene, and safety of truckers and can serve as lessons for other states and countries to consider.

Source: Safety

DOI: 10.3390/safety11030087

Authors: Fernanda Lise, Flávia Lise Garcia, Mona Shattell, Laurel Kincl

Institutions: Universidade Federal de Pelotas, University of Central Florida, Oregon State University

Language: English

Topic: Occupational Health and Safety in Workplaces

Subfield: Occupational Therapy

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,172