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Health and Fatigue as a Marker of Crash Risk

Abstract No:

1725

Abstract Type:

Professional Poster

Authors:

G Chen¹

Institutions:

¹NIOSH, N/A

Presenter:

Guang Chen
NIOSH

Description:

This study examines whether self-rated general health or drivers who reported ever nodding off while driving is associated with truck crash involvement among long-haul truck drivers. Findings suggest that self-rated health status may serve as an indicator of truck crash risk.

Situation / Problem:

Commercial truck crash research has largely focused on fatigue and specific medical diagnoses. However, limited research has evaluated whether self-rated health status is associated with crash risk among long-haul truck drivers (LHTDs). Understanding this relationship may inform broader safety and health strategies in the trucking industry.

Methods:

Data were obtained from the 2010 NIOSH National Survey of U.S. Long-Haul Truck Driver Health and Injury (N = 1,265), a nationally representative sample. Drivers self-reported general health status (excellent to poor), lifetime involvement in a Department of Transportation (DOT) recordable crash, and history of nodding off while driving. Weighted prevalence estimates were calculated. Multivariable logistic regression examined associations between health status, ever nodding off while driving and lifetime crash involvement, adjusting for age and sex.

Results / Conclusions:

Compared with the general U.S. working population, LHTDs reported poorer self-rated health. Overall, 35% of drivers reported ever being involved in a DOT-recordable crash. In adjusted analyses, poorer self-rated health was associated with higher odds of lifetime crash involvement. Compared with drivers reporting excellent health, those reporting poor (OR = 4.0, 95% CI: 1.6–10.3), fair (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.0–2.5), or good health (OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.02–2.2) had significant increased odds of crash history, whereas crash involvement among drivers with very good health was not significantly different. Drivers who reported ever nodding off while driving also had significantly higher odds of crash history (OR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.3–2.2).

Core Competencies:

Safety

Secondary Core Competencies:

Total Worker Health ®

Keywords

Choose at least one (1), and up to five, (5) keywords from the following list. These selections will optimize your presentation's search results for attendees.

Occupational epidemiology

Risk assessment and management

Safety

Peer Review Group Selection

Based on the selected primary competency area of your proposal, select one group below that would be best suited to serve as a subject matter expert for peer review: (Select one)

Risk Committee

Targeted Audience (IH/OH Practice Level)

Based on the information that will be presented during your proposed session, please indicate the targeted audience practice level: (select one)

Professional: Professional is a job title given to persons who have obtained a baccalaureate or graduate degree in IH/OH, public health, safety, environmental sciences, biology, chemistry, physics, or engineering or who have a degree in another area that meets the standards set forth in the next section, Knowledge and Skill Sets of IH/OH Practice Levels, and has had 4 or more years of practice. One significant way of demonstrating professional competence is to achieve certification by a 3rd party whose certification scheme is recognized by the International Occupational Hygiene Association (IOHA) such as the Board of Global EHS Credentialing (BGC).

Volunteer Groups

Was this session organized by an AIHA Technical Committee, Special Interest Group, Working Group, Advisory Group or other AIHA project Team?

Worker Exposure Data and/ or Results

Are worker exposure data and/or results of worker exposure data analysis presented?

Practical Application

How will this help advance the science of IH/OH?

Integrating self-rated health assessment into occupational safety programs and fatigue risk management strategies may enhance crash prevention efforts. A broader Total Worker Health approach that addresses overall health status alongside traditional safety measures may improve long-term driver safety outcomes.

Content Level

What level would you consider your presentation content geared towards?

Introductory: Introduces an elementary or basic subject area. Participant expected to have zero (0) to two (2) years of experience in industrial hygiene or OEHS, or a technical career path. Prerequisite: general knowledge.