© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources Massachusetts Trade Self-Insurance Group, Inc. S afety A wareness F or E veryone from Cove Risk Services Driver Wellness.

© BLR®—Business & Legal Resources

Massachusetts Trade Self-Insurance Group, Inc.

Safety Awareness For Everyone from Cove Risk Services

Driver Wellness


Session Objectives

Understand why wellness matters

Manage fatigue and stress on the job

Prevent colds and flu

Avoid crime and violence

Live a healthy, productive lifestyle


Why Wellness Matters

– Many accidents are health related, which makes wellness an important safety factor

– Being healthy helps you function better on and off the job

– Wellness keeps you on the job earning a paycheck

– Preventing illness and disease allows you to live a more comfortable, longer, happier life


Fatigue

– Increased risk of making mistake

– Inattention contributes to 50% all crashes

– Fatigue is factor in 15% of fatal crashes

– Fatigue affects reflexes, judgment, concentration, alertness, and mood


Managing Fatigue

– Get enough sleep

– Eat well-balanced meals

– Keep cab environment comfortable

– Take periodic rest breaks

– Pull over


Stress

– Sources

– Physical discomfort

– Contributes to disease

– Affects mood and safety attitude


Managing Stress

– Count to 10 or take deep breaths

– Listen to music

– Talk about problems

– Maintain a sense of humor

– Exercise

– Relax


Ergonomics

– Carefully get in and out of your vehicle

– Use good driving posture– Adjust your seat– Shift your position– Walk around and

stretch on breaks– Lift and carry heavy

objects properly


Preventive Health Care

– Regular medical exams and screening

– Eye care

– Dental cleaning and checkup

– Take medications as directed


Preventing Colds and Flu

– Avoid direct contact with sick people

– Keep your hands clean

– Avoid touching face with unwashed hands

– Drink plenty of fluids

– Get enough sleep


Crime and Violence Prevention

– Lock your vehicle

– Be careful in parking lots, rest stops, and on the street

– Carry a cell phone and report suspicious activity

– Don’t get involved in disputes

– Report any crime or violence


Wellness Basics: Which Statements Are True?

Wellness has little to do with your job.

Wellness involves getting preventive health care.

Unmanaged stress can make you sick.

There’s no effective way to avoid colds and flu in a job like yours.

Fatigue is a job hazard you can’t avoid.


Wellness BasicsDo you understand:

– The importance of wellness?

– Fatigue and stress hazards and management?

– The importance of preventive health care?

– How to prevent colds and flu?

– Steps to avoid crime and violence on the road?


Healthy Lifestyle: Smoking

– Lung cancer and death

– Heart disease, stroke, and emphysema

– Quitting reduces illness and disease

Millions Have Quit. You Can Too!


Healthy Lifestyle: Alcohol and Drug Abuse

– Drink in moderation

– Be careful when taking medications

– Choose not to use illegal drugs


Healthy Lifestyle: Sleep

– Develop a routine

– Go to sleep and wake at the same time

– Create a comfortable atmosphere

– Watch what you eat and drink

– Get treatment for persistent problems


Healthy Lifestyle: Weight Control

– Extra weight can lead to disease

– To maintain a healthy weight:

• Eat a nutritious diet• Get enough

physical activity• Balance calories

with physical activity


– Fruits and vegetables

– Whole grains

– Low-fat dairy products

– Lean meat, poultry, and fish

– Beans, nuts, eggs

– Water

– Reduction of fat, cholesterol, salt, and added sugar

Healthy Lifestyle: Nutrition


Eating out

Pick lower-fat foods and smaller

portions

Go broiled or baked

Order a salad or vegetables

Skip dessert

Pack your own meals

Healthy Lifestyle: Eating Well on the Road


Healthy Lifestyle: Exercise

Tips for getting daily exercise– Walk around parking

lot, or jump rope– Park further away

and walk– Do sit-ups and

push-ups– Have a routine

for days off


Healthy Lifestyle: Family Ties

– Call home frequently

– Take pictures of family and friends

– Make a video or DVD of yourself

– Plan family activities

– Keep in touch with friends


Healthy Lifestyle Choices: True or False?

If you’ve smoked for a long time, health wise it’s not worth quitting now.

You should develop a routine that helps you relax and prepare for sleep.

The only way to maintain a healthy weight is to eat a lot less.

There’s not much you can do about healthy eating on the road.


Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Do you understand:– Why smoking and substance

abuse are bad for your health?– How to get good night’s sleep?– How to maintain a

healthy weight?– Proper nutrition and tips for

eating healthy?– Need for regular exercise?– Importance of maintaining

family ties?


Wellness is an important factor in your job and in your life.

Making healthy choices will help you be safer and more productive on the job.

Good health also contributes to a better, longer, happier life.

Simple lifestyle choices can help you improve wellness and live a healthier life.

Massachusetts Trade Self-Insurance Group, Inc.

Safety Awareness For Everyone from Cove Risk Services

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources Massachusetts Trade Self-Insurance Group, Inc. S afety A wareness F or E veryone from Cove Risk Services Driver Wellness.

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