Global Fleet Champions has published new guidance to help fleet managers look after their drivers’ mental health.
Advice for fleet managers: Driver mental health and wellbeing contains advice on extent of poor mental health at work and the dangers that stress, anxiety, depression and other conditions can pose.
The factsheet, based on a Spotlight webinar broadcast in October 2020, tells fleet managers why looking after driver mental wellbeing is good for their business as well as providing tips for effective mental health management.
These subjects are important because professional drivers are particularly at risk of developing mental health conditions, increasing the likelihood that they will be involved in a crash.
Research shows three in 10 work-related illnesses in the transport and logistics sector are caused by stress, depression and anxiety, all of which raise the risk of a collision occurring.
The Spotlight webinar was sponsored by Teletrac Navman and was presented by psychologist Rebecca Posner.
Global Fleet Champions factsheets are for anyone who manages people who drive for work, regardless of budget, fleet size or vehicle type, and are designed to give managers short, simple advice on key road safety topics.
Scott Williams, head of programme delivery at Brake, the road safety charity, said: “Long hours alone in their vehicle, stressful situations and little interaction with their colleagues in person – all of these are common challenges faced by professional drivers that can affect their wellbeing. Now more than ever, it’s important that fleet managers are aware of the signs that their drivers may be struggling with mental health issues so they can give them the support they need.
“By looking after their employees’ wellbeing, fleets can prove that they are caring, compassionate employers who put people first and value their safety. We hope that fleets find this fact sheet informative and can use it to manage the risk posed by poor driver mental health and wellbeing.”
Richard Lilwall, VP and European managing director at Teletrac Navman UK said:“The pandemic has undoubtedly put more pressure on those who drive for work. As such, this is a very welcome and timely initiative giving fleet managers easy access to tips for effective mental health management in one handy fact sheet. It’s also an opportunity to once again thank all drivers in the transport industry for going the extra mile.”