Driver Health and Safety

The leading cause of work-related deaths in the U.S. is motor vehicle crashes. In 2020, 1,038 workers died in a work-related crash.  Of those who died, more than half were not employed in motor vehicle operator jobs, 1 demonstrating the impact of these crashes on the larger population.  

Dr. Eva Shipp is a research scientist and instructor focused on examining crash data in farm and logging operations to develop training that can decrease the amount of worker injuries while transporting on the job. She studies injury prevention methods as well as injury data on crashes to determine ways to improve worker safety while driving.   

Whether in a passenger vehicle traveling between work locations or hauling a semi-load of products, personal health is also a concern for workers who drive as part of their job. Drivers face risk of musculoskeletal disorders and obesity from driving, particularly those who operate machinery or spend extended amount of time in a sedentary, seated position. Repetitive bouncing and vibration, often caused by heavy machinery or rough roads, are risk factors for back injuries. Also, extended sedentary time poses threats to circulation, physical fitness and general health.  

The worker force among farming and logging is becoming more diverse as farm women are increasingly playing a larger role in the industry.  Also, employees in the two industries span the range of truck owner-operators to migrant workers. Dr. Shipp is researching the health and safety data among these populations to identify patterns that may play a role in positively affecting worker safety.  

Shipp developed new transportation safety training that farming and logging industry employers introduced to their employees. Starting with the first iteration of the safety training program and in cooperation with the employers, Shipp collected data from the program participants as well as company safety data to evaluate the training effectiveness. The data was used to further improve the program, and now the content continues to evolve with results improving each time. Shipp is now expanding the training program to apply to fleets.